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International Labor Day
What is International Labors Day? International Labors Day, a significant day dedicated in paying tribute to the Workers is celebrated on May 1st of Every Year. It is also known as âMay Dayâ and âInternational Workers Dayâ and it is usually declared as National Holiday in India, in order to appreciate and motivate the support [âŠ]
CTD â De Quervainâs Disease â The Original Buttpillow (TM)
De Quervainâs Disease is a cumulative trauma disorder or musculoskeletal injury that can cause thumb pain. A splint may be required 24 hours a day for 4 to 6Â weeks.
via CTD â De Quervainâs Disease â The Original Buttpillow (TM)
Driving is Risk Factor for Low Back Pain
Occupational Medicine, Vol. 48, No. 3., pp. 153-160, 1998, “Musculoskeletal Problems and Driving in Police Officers,” written by D. E. Gyi and J. M. Porter, Vehicle Ergonomics Group, Department of Design and Technology, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom:
In the above-mentioned study, the Occupational Health Department of a rural police force in the United Kingdom had concerns with relation to driving and its link to musculoskeletal disorders.
“There are now an increasing number of researchers whose work implicates prolonged exposure to car driving as a risk factor for low back pain. Â However, such epidemiological studies examining the relationship between car driving and back pain or other musculoskeletal troubles are difficult to conduct. Â Driving as a task involves prolonged sitting, a fixed posture, and vibration, any of which could directly lead to musculoskeletal trouble. Â It is likely that symptoms arise from multiple relationships and influences, (Rey, P., 1979).”
“These police drivers are also deemed to be at particular risk because of the following:
- They are generally tall males and wear bulky clothing such that seat adjustment may be insufficient to obtain a good posture.
- They drive fleet cars where the seat and suspension are exposed to excessive wear and tear.
- They often have to drive in rapid response situations such that they are exposed to fast acceleration and deceleration.
- Driving is often followed by strenuous physical activity such as lifting and running.
- They spend most of their eight-hour shift driving or sitting in their vehicle.
- They often have to take back-seat passengers, such that tall males are unable to take advantage of any seat adjustments that do exist.”
“In a survey of 2,000 U.S. police officers, the number and types of health disorders reported b these officers over a 6-month period were similar to those found in the general public over a 12 month period, (Hurrel, J., 1984).”
The results of the above-mentioned study agree with the findings of other studies that indicate driving a car is a risk factor for the development of low back pain.
Ergo-News @ Original Buttpillow.com
This document was on my web site buttpillow.com about 18 years ago. The “History of Seating in the Western World” begins with Ancient Egypt and ends with ergonomics professionals.
âA History of Seating in the Western Worldâ
âA History of Seating in the Western Worldâ is a research paper based on the Postgraduate Diploma in Ergonomics Research project performed by Kim Gurr under the supervision of Leon Straker, Physiotherapy, and Phillip Moore, Social Sciences, at the Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Western Australia. Unfortunately, Ms. Gurr died before finalizing her research.â
Following are quotes from the above-mentioned research paper:
Seating is Important for Ergonomics
âSeating is an important issue for contemporary ergonomics. Â Its frequent use by humans and its association with musculoskeletal disorders are just some of the reasons for its importance.â Â
Ancient History of Seating
âTo understand the place of seating in modern Western societies, it is useful to understand its history.â
Modern History of Western Seating
âThis paper presents an overview of the ancient history of seating and the modern history of Western seating withâŠ
View original post 4,170 more words
6 Hours Sitting May Cause Pressure Sore
SITTING & PRESSURE
By Darren Salinger, M.D., OB/GYN
& Melanie Loomos, Inventor
In modern society, sitting takes up an increasing amount of time, both at home and at work. It has been concluded there is a considerable shift to sedentary work in industrialized countries (3).
1881 Analysis of Contact Stresses
The original analysis of contact stresses which lead to pressure-related problems while sitting was published in 1881 by Heinrich Hertz (5).
6 Hours Sitting May Cause Pressure Sore
A healthy individual can develop a pressure sore in six to twelve hours if left undisturbed in the same position (7). A single pressure sore costs more than $8,000 to heal. The yearly costs of treating pressure sores and related problems have been estimated to be almost $1 billion (9).
One study found that 63 percent of patients who sat for an unlimited period of time developed pressure sores whereas only 7 percent of patients developed pressure sores who sat for maximum periods of two hours (1).
Limiting sitting time is only one starting point in preventing pressure sores. Other possibilities include appropriate posture and pressure-reducing seat cushions (1).
In a test of six pressure-relieving devices, the air doughnut was found to be the least effective in reducing inter-surface pressures. None of the devices tested eliminated the inter-surface pressures generated by sitting in one position (7).
To prevent tissue damage, people must be able to shift their weight or be assisted to alternate pressure points (7).
External Pressure = 1/2 Internal Pressure
Externally measured pressure under the butt bones is only one half of the internal pressure. Given the pressures that are prevalent, Staarink (1995) found it amazing that more people do not get pressure ulcers (1).
Risk Factors for Pressure Sores
Studies have implicated factors such as posture and posture changes, impact loading of tissue, elevated temperature and humidity, age, nutritional status, general health, activity level, body stature and shear stress in the development of pressure sores (4).
Shear Force & Pressure Sores
The interest in shear stems from the observation that shear increases the possibility of causing a pressure sore (6). In 1958, it was Reichel who started to focus attention on shear force, which is defined as a force parallel to a surface (2). It is important to reduce shear force as much as possible (6). Avoidance of shear force is as important as avoidance of direct pressure (8).
Snijders (1984) showed that the inclination and the position of a backrest as well as the angle of the seat surface influence the shear force on the seat (3). The proper combination of backrest and seat inclination can reduce shear forces on the seat and on the sitter.
In tests done on healthy young subjects, it was found that when little shear is accepted, a fixed inclination between seat and backrest should be chosen between 90 degrees and 95 degrees (3). When a person is sitting down, the weight of the body is distributed over the supporting surfaces. The distributed shear and pressure result in forces that act on four major body points:
âȘ The Feet
âȘ The Butt Bones
âȘ The Top of the Hip Bones
âȘ The Chest
Shear Stresses Reduced â 90N to 5N
In a study measuring shear stresses on wheelchairs, using healthy young subjects, different seat angles were tested. Previous measurements showed that a total shear force on the seat of a foldable wheelchair could become as high as 90N when the seat is horizontal (2). When the seat slant is 8 degrees forward, the shear force becomes smaller than 5N in healthy subjects (2). The assumption is made that if the unfavorable effect of shear stress can be measured in healthy, young subjects, the effect for the hospitalized geriatric and paraplegic population will be even worse (2).
Enveloping Cushion
The enveloping property of a seat cushion is a measure of its tendency to wrap around the object it supports. When the body adopts a sitting posture, the weight of the body is distributed over the supporting surfaces (3). A good enveloping cushion provides a large contact area and a uniform stress distribution (9).
Medium density foam results in the lowest shear stresses and compressive stresses tested. Soft foam results in the next lowest shear and compressive stresses because soft foam tends to âbottom outâ and cause pressure from the surface below the foam.
Caution: Temperature Sensitive Foam
Researchers caution against materials in seat surfaces that react to body temperature because there is a risk of rising temperatures and increased humidity which can lead to pressure sores (1), as well as other pressure-related problems.
Researchers conclude that the use of armrests in the case of healthy persons has a very limited pressure-reducing effect but may help stabilize posture.
- Applied Nursing Research, Vol. 12, No. 3, August 1999, pp. 136-142, âSitting Posture and Prevention of Pressure Ulcers,â written by Tom Defloor, MScN, N.N.; and Maria H.F. Grypdonck, Ph.D., RN, Nursing Sciences, University of Gent, Belgium.
- Â Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 29: 131-136, 1997, âShear Stress Measured on Beds and Wheelchairs,â written by R.H.M. Goossens, Ph.D.; C.J. Snijders, Ph.D., T.G. Holscher, Mac; W. Chr. Heerens, Ph.D.; and A. E. Holman, MSc.
- Â Journal of Biomechanics, Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 225-230, 1995, âDesign Criteria for the Reduction of Shear Forces in Beds and Seats,â written by R.H.M. Goossens and C.J. Snijders, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Physics and Technology, The Netherlands.
- Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Vol. 29, No. 4, 1992, pp. 21 â 31, Department of Veterans Affairs, âComparative Effects of Posture on Pressure and Shear at the Body-Seat Interface,â written by Douglas A. Hobson, Ph.D., School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, P.A. U.S.A.
- Â Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Vol. 27, No. 2, 1990, pp. 135 â 140, Department of Veterans Affairs, âReduction of Sitting Pressures with Custom Contoured Cushions,â written by Stephen Sprigle, Ph.D.; Kao-Chi Chung, Ph.D.; Clifford E. Brubaker, Ph.D., University of Virginia, Rehabilitation Engineering Center, U.S.A.
- Â Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Vol. 27, No. 3, 1990, pp. 239 â 246, Department of Veterans Affairs, âSitting Forces and Wheelchair Mechanics,â written by Paul Gilsdorf, B.S.; Robert Patterson, Ph.D.; Steven Fisher, M.D.; Nancy Appel, P.T., Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Minnesota, U.S.A.
- Â American Journal of Nursing, 1987, âSitting Easy: How Six Pressure-Relieving Devices Stack up,â written by Robin Charges, RN, M.A., M.S.N.; and Bettie S. Jackson, RN, Ed.D., F.A.A.N., Montefiore Medical Center, N.Y., U.S.A.
- Â Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil., Vol. 60, July, 1979, âShear vs. Pressure as Causative Factors in Skin Blood Flow Occlusion,â written by Leon Bennett, MAE; David Kavner, DEng; Bok K. Lee, M.D.; Frieda A. Trainor, Ph.D., Veterans Administration Prosthetic Center, N.Y., U.S.A.
- Â J. Biomechanics, Vol. 15, No. 7, 1982, âModel Experiments to Study the Stress Distributions in a Seated Buttock,â Narender P. Reddy, Himanshu Patel, George Van B. Cochran, Biomechanics Research Unit, Helen Hayes Hospital; and John B. Brunski, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y., U.S.A.
OSHA watch â Premium Reduction Center Blog
Temporary enforcement policy on monorail hoists in construction Employers whose monorail hoists fail to comply with requirements in the Crane and Derricks in Construction Standard will not be issued citations as long as they adhere to other regulations, according to a recent memorandum. The temporary enforcement policy notes stakeholders identified gaps in the standard regarding [âŠ]
Hemorrhoids, History & the Western World
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are one of the most frequent problems people in westernized countries face. There are estimates of up to 75 to 90 percent occurrence rates of hemorrhoids in the U.S. population (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). An estimated 50 percent of those over the age of 50 years require some type of conservative or operative therapy (4).
The cost to the community, both financial and in lost work days, is great; and by any standards, this condition must be considered a major health hazard (7).
Seating & Hemorrhoids
Preventative measures to reduce risk factors for the development of hemorrhoids should be taken before it is too late. It is important to minimize external compression from poorly designed seating as much as possible. External compression from poorly designed seating concentrates forces on small areas of the body. This results in high localized pressure. The pressure can compress nerves, vessels, and other soft tissues, resulting in tissue-specific damage. These changes may themselves result in disease or predispose other tissues to damage.
U.S. History & Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids have plagued men and women for centuries, inflicting pain equally on individuals at all levels of society and of all occupations: Emperors (Napoleon); U.S. Presidents (Jimmy Carter); baseball sluggers (George Brett); judges; policemen; truck and cab drivers; and jockeys (6).
Ancient History & Hemorrhoids
It has been said that Napoleonâs hemorrhoids were troubling him during the battle of Waterloo (7).
Proctology flourished as a specialty in Ancient Egypt. The surgical treatment of hemorrhoids was practiced in Ancient Greece, and Hippocrates suggested that the cause could be attributed to bile and phlegm (8).
The Western World vs. The Third World & Hemorrhoids
Today, hemorrhoids are considered to be one of the most common ills of men and women, a judgment made by those with vision limited to the Western World (7).
The high rate of hemorrhoids in westernized societies contrasts sharply with Third World countries. Only about one in 25 to one in 30 individuals is thought to have hemorrhoids as compared to one in two individuals in Westernized societies. One doctor recounted in 30 yearsâ practice in Africa, one of the only two patients he saw with severe hemorrhoids was a prince taking a semi-European diet (5, 7).
1) Primary Care, Volume 26, Number 1, March, 1999, âHemorrhoids,â by Joy N. Hussain, M.D., Cairns Base Hospital, Australia.
2) Family Medicine Principles & Practices, 1998, Fifth Edition: Chapter 91, âDiseases of the Rectum and Anus,â by Thomas J. Zuber.
3) MJA, Vol. 167, July, 1997, Clinical Practice, âHemorrhoids: A Clinical Update,â written by Adrian L. Polglase, M.S., FRACS, Clinical associate Professor and Colorectal Surgeon, Australia.
4) American Family Physician, September 1, 1995, âNon-surgical Treatment Options for Internal Hemorrhoids, written by John Pfenninger, M.D., and James Surrel, M.D.
5) Surgical Clinics of North America, Vol. 65, No. 6, December, 1988, âHemorrhoids, Non-operative Management,â written by A. R. Dennison, M.D.; D.C., Wherry, M.D.; and D.L. Morris, M.D., Ph.D.
6) Southern Medical Journal, Vol. 81, No. 5, May, 1988, âAlternatives in the Treatment of Hemorrhoidal Disease,â by Emmet F. Ferguson, Jr., M.D., University of Florida, School of Medicine, Jacksonville, F.L., U.S.A.
7) Postgraduate Medical Journal, September, 1975, 51, 631-636, âHemorrhoids – Postulated Pathogenesis and Proposed Prevention,â written by D. P. Burkitt, C.M.G., M.D., F.R.C.S., F.R.S., and C.W. Graham-Stewart, MS, F.R.C.S.
8) The American Journal of Proctology, Vol. 21, No. 3, June 1970, âAn Epidemiological Investigation of Hemorrhoids, written by John Philpot, Ph.D., Rutgers, The State University, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Forward Bending & Low Back Pain
Spine, Volume 21, Number 1, pp. 71-78, 1996, âAnalysis of Lumbar Spine and Hip Motion During Forward Bending in Subjects With and Without a History of Low Back Pain,â written by Marcia A. Esola, M.S., P.T.; Philip W. McClure, M.S., P.T.; G. Kelley Fitzgerald, M.S., P.T.; and Sorin Siegler, Ph.D., U.S.A.:
In this study, a motion analysis system was used to measure the amount and velocity of lumbar spine and hip motion during forward bending.
The authors begin by citing the following previous findings:
EPIDEMIC OF LOW BACK PAIN
âDisorders of the low back have reached epidemic proportions, (DeRosa, C.P., 1992).â
BILLIONS OF $$$ ANNUALLY, LOST WORK TIME & WORKERS’ COMP CLAIMS
âEpidemiologic studies show that billions of dollars are spent annually on the problem of low back pain, which is one of the most commonly-cited problems for lost work time in industry and Workers’ Compensation claims, (Chase, J.A., 1992; Frymoyer, J.W., 1988; and Pope, M.H., et al., 1991).â
FREQUENT FORWARD BENDING & LOW BACK PAIN
âResearchers have shown an association between frequent forward bending and low back pain, (Berquist-Ullman, M., et al., 1977; Magora, A., 1973; Mellin, G., 1986; Punnett, L, et al., 1991; Svensson H.O., et al., 1989; Videman T., et al., 1989).â
SLOUCHING WHILE SEATED / BENDING AT THE WAIST WHILE STANDING
âProlonged sitting with the lumbar spine in a flexed position (slouching) and flexed standing postures (bending at the waist) are also associated with an increased risk of low back pain, (Anderson, G.B.J., 1991; Berquist-Ullman, M., et al., 1977; Magora, A., 1972; Punnett, L., et al., 1991; Riihimaki, H., et al., 1989).â
OCCUPATIONS INVOLVING REPETITIVE FORWARD BENDING
âSaunders reports that people with herniated inter-vertebral discs often have a history of an activity or occupation involving repetitive forward bending.â
âNachemson (1981) has shown that inter-vertebral disc pressure increases 20 percent over that measured in standing when forward bending 20 degrees, and increases 100 percent when bending up to 40 degrees.â
INADEQUATE HIP FLEXIBILITY & EXCESSIVE LUMBAR MOTION
âIt has been suggested that inadequate hip flexibility coupled with excessive lumbar motion during forward bending results in low back pain, (Biering-Sorenson, F., 1984; Sahramann, S.A., 1993). . .Sahramann (1993) suggests that excessive lumbar mobility leads to tissue overloading, micro-trauma, and ultimately the development of degenerative joint and disc disease. A person may experience low back pain at any stage of this sequence of events.
FORWARD BENDING = RISK FACTOR FOR LOW BACK PAIN
âForward bending has been clearly recognized as a risk factor for low back pain. Altered movement patterns of the lumbar spine and hips during forward bending may help explain why forward bending is a risk factor for the development of low back pain.â
HAMSTRING STRETCHING HELPFULÂ
In the conclusions, the authors state: âThe results provide quantitative data to guide clinical assessment of forward bending motion. Â Results also suggest that although people with a history of low back pain have amounts of lumbar spine and hip motion during forward bending similar to those of healthy subjects, the pattern of motion is different. Â It may be desirable to teach patients with a history of low back pain to use more hip motion during early forward bending, and hamstring stretching may be helpful for encouraging earlier hip motion.â
OSHA Revised Whistleblower Complaint
Trade Release |
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U.S. Department of Labor |
For Immediate Release |
OSHA revises its online whistleblower complaint formWASHINGTON â The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently revised its online whistleblower complaint form to help users file a complaint with the appropriate agency. The form provides workers with another option for submitting retaliation complaints to the U.S. Department of Laborâs OSHA. The updated form guides individuals as they file a complaint through the process, providing essential questions at the beginning so they can better understand and exercise their rights under relevant laws. One significant improvement to the system includes pop-up boxes with information about various agencies for individuals who indicate that they have engaged in protected activity that may be addressed by an agency other than OSHA. The new form is available in English and Spanish. âWorkers who report unsafe conditions and wrongdoing have a range of legal protections from retaliation,â said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. âThe revised online complaint form works to ensure whistleblowers file their complaints with the appropriate federal agency for prompt action.â In addition to the online form, workers can file complaints by fax, mail, or hand-delivery; contacting the agency at 800-321-6742; or calling an OSHA regional or area office. OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of 22 statutes protecting employees who report violations of various securities laws, trucking, airline, nuclear power, pipeline, environmental, rail, public transportation, workplace safety and health, and consumer protection laws. Detailed information on employee whistleblower rights, including fact sheets, is available online at http://www.whistleblowers.gov/. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHAâs role is to ensure these conditions for Americaâs working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # # |