(NIOSH) defines work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) as a group of disorders involving muscles, tendons and nerves. Symptoms of WMSDs are a common problem in the general population, and are considered the most common occupational disease causing limitations in daily activities. Even though there is an association between repetitive manual tasks, with short work cycles and force demanding tasks with the development of WMSDs, the particular cause of the physiological changes over a long period of time is a cause of debate. The study of the mechanisms underlying the physiological changes is essential for the early detection, diagnosis, and appropriate management of WMSDs. Methods The study will include 30 healthy college students 18 year old and older with no previous history or exposure to repetitive or forceful tasks within the past eight weeks, and not receiving anti-inflammatory treatment. Participants will perform a manual task for 25 min daily for five days over a period of four weeks. A blood sample will be collected after the completion of the task on the fifth day. Blood serum levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 1b (IL-1b), Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) will be measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Weekly levels of the biomarkers will be compared to baseline levels for significant differences. Results Expected results of the study include an elevated expression of the targeted biomarkers before there is an inflammatory response, and an inflammatory response at the end of the intervention. Conclusion The results of this study will help having a better understanding of the physiological changes resulting from repetitive manual tasks, and more importantly will provide the basis for the development of a rapid test to assess the risk to trigger an inflammatory response and prevent the development of WMSDs.
IntroductionIn today’s industrialised world, focus of mass producing organisations is to achieve maximum output and optimum utilisation of human resource by deploying workers in shift duties. This helps industries in achieving production targets but it adversely affects health of workers which is a well-established fact. Shift duties cause changes in circadian rhythm of human body which leads to adverse effects on physical and psychological health. This study was conducted at a large automobile organisation for comparing health status of shift workers with non-shift workers, establish cause and make improvement in health of shift workers.MethodsA cross sectional study was done through a questionnaire based survey and medical examination of workers. Two groups of 200 workers each was selected, one group was involved in shift work for 8 years and other group was working in day shift only for same number of years. A detailed questionnaire containing personal, occupational and medical history was presented to both groups. All data related to findings of medical examinations and survey was analysed to reach a conclusion.ResultsThere were significant differences in health status of both group of workers.76% shift workers were suffering from G.I disorders- Indigestion, constipation, hyperacidity etc. compared to 18% of non-shift workers, 22% shift worker had Diabetes compared to 9% in non-shift workers, 36% shift workers had hypertension compared to 14% in non-shift, 44% shift workers had sleep disorder compared to 19% and 42% shift workers were obese compared to 26% of non-shift workers.DiscussionResults of study show that there are less health issues in non-shift workers compared to shift workers. This provides us evidence that if shift work can’t be avoided then organisations should have scientific plans to minimise health hazards of shift work and more focus should be given to health of shift workers.
modification of standards for significant hazards. As well, social attitudes change and society generally becomes more risk-averse over time. An alternative approach is 'continuous quality improvement' (CQI), which is an ongoing process for the optimisation of risk, efficiency of operations, and consumption of resources. The 'Deming Cycle' (Plan! Do! Study! Act! [repeat]), for example, is the standard management approach for quality assurance in the private sector. CQI has advantages over fixed standard setting in improving the quality of the environment and worker health and fits better with good management practices. The theoretical disadvantages may be business concern over an ever shifting target for compliance and the opportunity cost of making improvements when performance is already sufficient. However, in practice, CQI has shown such great benefit in improving the operations of enterprises from small business to large corporations that it is standard procedure and typically results in large unanticipated gains beyond quality, in efficient operations, lower cost, and reduced risk. This approach is rarely used in occupational health protection but it has been adopted as 'Best Available Control Technology' in other settings. In the United States, the mandated periodic review of ambient air quality standards by the EPA and of high-priority chemicals under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act are broadly compatible with CQI. The approach is also one means of effectively operationalizing the Precautionary Principle. It is suggested that CQI should be reconsidered as an alternative regulatory approach and adopted as a fundamental approach to risk management.
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