Occupational Ergonomics

Francesco S. Violante, Thomas Armstrong, Åsa Kilbom

The effective prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders demands a multidisciplinary approach that draws together experience from backgrounds in engineering, mechanics, physiology, occupational medicine and psychology--all considered in the context of ergonomics. This book is a collection of lectures on both back and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Together these lectures provide a comprehensive overview of all critical issues relevant to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Topics include occupational biomechanics, physiology, epidemiology, psychosocial issues, ergonomic solutions, and medical diagnosis, case management, and rehabilitation.

Preface; 1. Methodological Issues in Epidemiologic Studies of Musculoskeletal Disorders 2. Epidemiology of Work-related Back Disorders 3. Epidemiology of Neck and Upper Limb Disorders and Workplace Factors 4. Psychosocial Factors at Work in Relation to Musculoskeletal Conditions - Implications for Job Design and Rehabilitation 5. Analysis and Design of Jobs for Control of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) 6. The Psychosocial Approach to Risk Assessment in Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders 7. Health Disorders Caused by Occupational Exposure to Vibration 8. Screening for Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders: Research and Practice 9. Surveillance for Musculoskeletal Problems 10. Case Definitions for Upper Limb Disorders 11. Back Risk Factors: An Overview 12. Psychosocial Studies of Materials Handling (NIOSH Lifting Equation) 13. Biomechanical Models in High Exertion Manual Jobs 14. Cost-benefit of Ergonomic Improvement 15. Clinical Case Management and Rehabilitation of Workers with Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Model for Integration of Medical and Ergonomic Approaches 16. Experiences in Redesigning Jobs Featuring Repetitive Tasks 17. Regulatory Issues in Occupational Ergonomics