Ergonomics 1
Tuesday 7 October 2025, 16.00 – 17.00 Polar
Chairs: Alexis Descatha, Luise Mølenberg Begtrup
Cumulative occupational exposure to high physical load and shoulder diseases: Meta-analysis of four national register-based cohorts
Katarina Kjellberg (presenter)
Katarina Kjellberg, Annett Dalbøge, Alexis Descatha, Bradley Evanoff, Rachel Hasting, Kuan-Yu Pan, Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum, Alexander Jahn, Eira Viikari-Juntura, Svetlana Soloveiva
Abstract
Objective: Few earlier studies on cumulative exposure to high physical workload and shoulder diseases have been reported. This study aimed to investigate the association between cumulative exposure to heavy lifting and working with hands above shoulder level and diagnosed shoulder diseases across four Nordic countries. Material and Methods: A meta-analysis was performed using four national register-based cohorts: the Finnish SLFF, the Norwegian Nor-Work, the Swedish SWIP and the Danish DOC*X. Exposures to heavy lifting and working with hands above shoulder level were assessed using a gender-specific European job exposure matrix (EuroJEM) for physical workload assigned to occupational codes. Participants born 1933-1985 with at least 10 years of employment were followed until first patient visit due to shoulder disease (ICD-10 codes M75), death, emigration, or end of follow-up. Cumulative exposure was calculated as years exposed from age 25-35, categorised as 0, 1-5, 6-10 and >10 years. Discrete time hazard models were used to study associations between cumulative exposures and shoulder diseases in each cohort. Meta-analyses were performed using a random effect model. Results: The relative risks of shoulder diseases increased with number of years exposed to heavy lifting and working with hands above shoulders until 6-10 years of exposure. In men the risks were similar in size for 6-10 years (pooled HR 1.65[1.41;1.94] for lifting, 1.57[1.37;1.81] for hands above shoulders) and >10 years of exposure. Among women, those exposed to heavy lifting (pooled HR 1.51[1.33;1.72]) and working with hands above shoulder (HR 1.48[1,27;1.72]) for 6-10 years had the highest risks. Conclusion: Reducing prolonged exposure to heavy lifting and working with hands above shoulder level has a high potential to prevent shoulder diseases in both genders. Funding: The study is part of the Exposome Project for Health and Occupational Research (EPHOR) funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
Innovative AI ergonomic risk assessment in emergency operators: A multimodal approach
Alessandro Murru (presenter)
Luigi Isaia Lecca, Marcello Campagna
Abstract
Objective This study proposes a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate biomechanical risk for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s), combining standardised ergonomic assessment methods, AI-based posture analysis and field data for a more comprehensive strategy. Materials and methods A three-person EMT crew performed emergency operations in a simulated environment. Postures adopted during these activities were assessed by an ergonomist using standardised methods (REBA, OWAS, SUVA). Push and pull forces were measured with dynamometer and Snook-Ciriello guidelines. An artificial intelligence system integrating YOLOv8 (person detection), Deep SORT (tracking) and Media Pipe Pose (joint landmark estimation) was implemented to automatically extract joint angles and identify high-risk postures from video recordings. Operational data from 28,936 emergency calls in 2024 at 15 emergency stations were analysed to estimate exposure levels based on the frequency of calls per shift and, with MAPO method adapted for emergency medical services, tried to assess the risks associated with patient handling. Results In the simulated activities, approximately 40% of the postures observed were classified as high risk according to REBA, SUVA and OWAS criteria. Measurements of push and pull forces were generally within Snook-Ciriello recommended limits, although several critical issues were identified. The AI-based system assigned a numerical value to each joint angle for each body segment frame-by-frame, calculating a risk score to each frame, showing reasonable agreement with the risk classifications assigned by the professional ergonomist, allowing a more precise quantitative analysis of workers single postures. Analysis of operational data allowed an appraisal based on average interventions per shift (≤1, between 1-2, ≥2). Stations with more than two interventions per shift had MAPO scores ≥2.5, suggesting a potential increase in biomechanical overload risk due to patient handling. Conclusions The methodology proposed in this study integrates standardised risk evaluation methods, field measurements, AI-driven video analysis and frequency data to obtain more and detailed specific risk profiles. This innovative approach may provide a useful contribution to improve tailored preventive strategies to reduce overload risk.
Labor market attachment in patients with suspected work-related shoulder disorder: a Danish nation-wide long-term follow-up study
Caroline Lindholm Pedersen (presenter)
Mathias Moselund Rønnow , Mia Klinkvort Kempel, Jesper Medom Vestergaard, Annett Dalbøge, Morten Vejs Willert, Marianne Kyndi
Abstract
Objective To examine the long-term labor market attachment of patients with suspected work-related subacromial impingement syndrome(SIS) referred to Danish departments of occupational medicine, and to identify distinct trajectories of work participation. Methods Register-based longitudinal data for 4,164 patients aged 18 to 67 years, assessed and diagnosed with SIS at a Danish department of occupational medicine between 2000 and 2013were included. Public benefit data five years before and after assessment were obtained from nationwide registers. A work participation score – defined as weeks the patient was working divided by number of potential work weeks – was calculated for each half-year during the period. Distinct trajectories of work participation were identified using Latent Class Growth Analysis. Results (preliminary data) More than 80% were working five years prior to assessment, this proportion declined to 40% at the time of assessment, with minimal recovery in the subsequent five years. Four trajectories of work participation were identified: high-stable (32%), high-recovering (27%), high-low (28%), and low-descending (13%). Statistically significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics and occupational groups were observed across trajectory classes. Patients in high-stable and high-recovering trajectories tended to have higher level of education, were employed in higher occupational classes, and had fewer general practitioner contacts in the five years prior to assessment as compared to the other two groups. Conclusion and perspectives A considerable proportion of patients with suspected work-related SIS did not have their previous level of work participation 5-years after assessment at a Danish department of occupational medicine. The identification of four distinct work participation trajectories highlights the heterogeneity in long-term outcomes. Future research should focus on identifying individuals at highest risk of reduced labor market attachment to facilitate early, tailored rehabilitation interventions. Funding: This work was supported by the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Gødstrup Hospital. No funding, grants, or other support was received.
Workplace ergonomics and musculoskeletal pain in female garment workers of Bangladesh: An occupational safety perspective
Nazneen Akter (presenter)
Dr. Mohammad Shah Kamal Uddin
Abstract
Objectives: The RMG sector plays a significant role in employment generation, foreign earnings and socio-economic development of Bangladesh where nearly 90 percent of its labor force comprising female. However, suboptimal workplace ergonomics significantly contribute to musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among female garment workers, adversely affecting productivity and well-being. This study investigates how ergonomic conditions contribute to musculoskeletal pain in the RMG sector from an occupational safety perspective. It assesses compliance with existing OSH laws and highlights legislative gaps, especially regarding ergonomic standards and worker safety. Material and Methodology: A qualitative research approach was adopted, incorporating Key Informant Interviews (KII), alongside Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with female garment workers in seven garment factories. Data were thematically analyzed to identify ergonomic deficiencies, their impact on MSP and prevailing occupational safety measures within the sector. Results: Findings indicate a high prevalence of MSP, particularly in the lower back, shoulders and wrists, exacerbated by prolonged sitting, inadequate seating arrangements and improper workstation design. Workers reported limited access to ergonomic training and insufficient employer initiatives to mitigate ergonomic hazards. Non-compliance with existing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) laws, along with notable loopholes in the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, particularly its lack of explicit ergonomic provisions and detailed standards for workplace design—jointly contribute to the ongoing ergonomic hazards in the RMG sector. The integration of ergonomic best practices and compliance of OSH laws is imperative to enhance workplace safety and reduce MSP incidence. Conclusion: Addressing ergonomic challenges in the RMG sector requires a multidimensional approach involving ergonomic improvements, labor rights advocacy, policy enforcement, employer accountability and worker participation in occupational safety programs. Strengthening regulatory oversight and fostering an ergonomic culture can significantly improve health outcomes for female garment workers, ensuring a safer and more sustainable working environment.