[Repetitive movements of the upper limbs: results of exposure evaluation and clinical investigation in refinishing ceramic ornaments]

Med Lav. 1996 Nov-Dec;87(6):593-7.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

An evaluation was made of the degree of exposure to risk and the frequency of disorders attributable to biomechanical overload of the upper limb in workers performing finishing operation on ceramic vases and cups in a ceramics factory. The risks were first evaluated against a checklist, then subsequently an assessment was made of the tasks found to feature the highest risks, using an ergonomic analysis method, which identified activities associated with a large number of actions per minute (> 50). The 22 female workers performing the tasks in question underwent a risk-targeted physical examination which included an electroneurographic test using surface electrodes. The clinical test detected an extremely high frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome cases, in addition to other upper limb disorders. In particular, nine female workers (41%) were found to be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, and five (22%) from other pathologies of the upper limbs (4 scapulo-humeral periarthritis, 1 epicondylitis). As a result of the findings arising out of this study, immediate preventive measures were adopted; moreover, it has become evident that further epidemiological studies on larger sample populations are needed.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arm*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Ceramics*
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Posture
  • Risk Assessment