Showing 4 results for Ppe
M. H. Safarian, S. A. Zakerian, J. Nasleseraji, K. Azam,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Introduction: In Laboratory accusations a wide range of hand-held tools are used due to nature of their work. Long-term and repeated use of these tools has led the laboratory workers to suffer from upper limb disorders. The present study was designed and implemented with the aim of investigating the usability of different models of pipettes used in the laboratories of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, employing subjective assessment methods for selecting the best pipette models.
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Material and Method: This cross-sectional and analytical-descriptive study was performed among 35 laboratories employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. First, four models of the widely used pipettes were selected and their usability-related characteristics were investigated by a visual analog scale (VAS). Judgments concerned the usability of the pipettes done based on the criteria provided by the International Organization for Standardization 9241-11(1998) and 20282-2(2006). Data analysis was performed, using SPSS software version 22.
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Result: The overall evaluation of the users in relation to the characteristics of the pipettes indicated that the highest VAS score was belonged to pipette A, C, and D, respectively. Furthermore, pipette B was selected as the most undesirable one by users. Results related to the usability criteria of pipette showed that of the four models of study pipettes, pipette A has been ranked first in two criteria (satisfaction and effectiveness). Regarding the efficiency, the first rank was for C pipette and the second rank was for pipette A. Pipette B obtained the lowest scores for all given criteria.
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Conclusion: Shorter and lighter pipettes, which were designed according to ergonomic principles, had greater usability from the perspective of users and it could cause a better subjective assessment comparing to the other models.
Hamidreza Yaghoti, Azar Tol, Roya Sadeghi, Adel Mazloumi, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani, Arman Ghaderi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Introduction: Designing behavioral modification interventions for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) warrants the audiences identification and analysis. This study aimed to determine the predictive factors for using (PPE) based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs among workers of Iran Aluminum Factory, 2018.
Material and Methods: In this descriptive analytical study with cross-sectional method, a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information, knowledge questionnaire and designed items based on the SCT construct, was fulfilled by 188 workers employed in production line of Iran Aluminum Factory in Arak. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression analysis on SPSS 24. The significance level was set at P< 0.05.
Results: Among the participants, 46.8% (n=88) and 52.2% (n=100) of workers had moderate and high level of knowledge, respectively. Demographic variables such as marital status, educational level, income, age, work experience and employment status (p <0.05), as well as all SCT constructs (p <0.05) had a significant relationship with knowledge. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the level of education and employment status with probability of 80.6% and self-control, environment and self-efficacy of perceived barriers constructs, with a 64% probability could explained workers in high-knowledge group.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that the variables such as level of education, employment status, self-control, environment and self-efficacy of perceived barriers could be effective in designing educational interventions to improve workers’ knowledge on using personal protective equipment.
Maryam Nourollahi-Darabad, Davood Afshari, Sanaz Mohipour, Gholam-Abbas Shirali,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have a multifactorial nature. Biomechanical factors are one of the most important factors. Consequently, the precise identification of effective factors plays a significant role in controlling and preventing these disorders. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify the awkward upper body postures and their effect on the prevalence of MSDs in office workers in both women and men groups by objective methods.
Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 36 office workers (18 women and 18 men). The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was evaluated using the Nordic questionnaire. The upper limbs posture, including the back, neck, and wrists, was evaluated continuously with an electronic inclinometer and an electrogoniometer for 30 min, followed by analyzing the collected data.
Results: The results revealed that the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in both gender groups was in the neck (58.33%), trunk (52.77%), and wrist (47.22%), respectively. The results disclosed that the median trunk and neck flexion in both groups is over 20° and the posture angle in women is higher than that of men (P<0.05). The results showed that pain and discomfort in the trunk and neck in both gender groups have a significant relationship with the median posture angle (P<0.05). Also, the wrist posture in both gender groups during work was in extension and static condition.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the prevalence of disorders in women was higher than in men. Although the tasks performed in both groups were similar, the assessment of postures disclosed that women office workers had more awkward postures in the trunk and neck than men. In both groups, the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort had a significant relationship with awkward postures in the trunk and neck. According to the results of the current study, ergonomic interventions are recommended to reduce awkward postures and to prevent MSDs, particularly among women office workers.
Fatemeh Fasih-Ramandi, Farideh Golbabaei, Hadi Shakibian, Seyed Mohammad Asadzadeh, Mohammad Reza Monazzam-Esmaeelpour,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: To ensure employee safety and health, it is crucial to choose and use personal protective equipment correctly. An investigation of the respiratory and hearing protection equipment used in the industries of Tehran was conducted in the present study.
Material and Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2023 on 400 occupational health and safety experts in Tehran province. A researcher-made checklist and questionnaire (physical and online versions) were used to determine the criteria that are considered when selecting protective equipment. Statistical analysis and graphing were performed using SPSS-v21 and Excel-2016.
Results: Participants had an average age of 38.66 and an average work experience of 11.78 years. The participants reported 48.3% and 47.7% disapproval of the quality and 42.5% and 39.5% disapproval respectively of the quantity of respiratory and hearing protection equipment available in their industrial units. In addition, 56.3% of them admitted that they have no responsibility for providing or approving the equipment in their workplace. Overall, 27 and 29 criteria were mentioned by study participants pertaining to respiratory and hearing protection equipment, respectively. In the identified criteria, the frequency distribution ranged from 0.3% to 38%.
Conclusion: A high rate of expert dissatisfaction with protective equipment and a low frequency of most of the criteria mentioned indicates that industries aren’t paying much attention to the issue of choosing the right respiratory and hearing protection equipment. To improve the situation, more investigation is needed and practical and operational solutions will be provided. This study highlights the importance of proper selection and use of personal protective equipment in ensuring the safety and health of employees.
