Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant public health concern that can greatly affect individuals’ health and well-being. Since Iran is a significant producer and exporter of saffron, with many workers engaged in this industry, the study aimed to design an ERGONOMIC table for saffron flower processing to reduce MSDs, like back pain. Methods: In this experimental study, the design process involved brainstorming and group meetings with 10 experts and ERGONOMICs students, using anthropometric data from Iranian workers aged 20 to 60. The table was created using Rhino Software, version 6. Results: The saffron flower processing table was designed ERGONOMICally with the capability of rotation and height adjustment. For each component of the saffron processing process, a specific place was designated on this table, and these designated areas were determined according to the reach of individuals. The table’s height ranged from 76 to 87 cm, with a total cross-section of, 6645 square cm. Conclusion: The limitations of this study included the inability to generalize the results to other countries and different age ranges, as the anthropometric data of Iranian workers aged 20 to 60 years were utilized. An ERGONOMIC solution that works well in one country may lead to an increase in MSDs in another country due to different body dimensions. While some risk factors are common across various agricultural activities, each presents its own unique ERGONOMIC challenges and injury risks, emphasizing the need for appropriate approaches to ERGONOMIC interventions.

Background and Objective: ERGONOMIC training does not impose the same costs as the other interventions, such as changing the work procedures, using new technologies, and redesigning the work environment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous ERGONOMIC training on the rate of productivity and exposure to ERGONOMIC risk factors. Materials and Methods: In this study, 51 employees of a food industry factory in Tehran in the year 2018 were selected by random sampling method. The demographic and productivity data were collected by demographic and achieve questionnaires, respectively. In addition, exposure to ERGONOMIC risk factors was evaluated by Quick Exposure Check (QEC). This information was re-collected after a four-month ERGONOMIC audio-visual training course. The efficacy of the training course was examined by the paired t-test. Results: Our findings indicated that almost half of the participants were in the worst possible posture and the number of people who had the unsuitable posture did not change pre-and post-intervention. The results demonstrated that two-thirds of the samples had a moderate productivity score and training was not effective in this regard. Despite the lack of significant changes in terms of productivity and exposure to risk factors of ERGONOMICs, the scores of these two variables altered significantly. In other words, the change was not significant in a way that could alter the levels of these two variables in the studied subjects. Conclusion: According to the results of the current study, continuous ERGONOMIC training could reduce the QEC score and increase productivity in the work environment.

Introduction: Job satisfaction and productivity among industrial workforce depend on multiple factors. Among these factors, designing the workstation based on bodily characteristics and dimensions of the workers is of critical significance. Since industrial chairs have direct impacts on biomechanical and anthropometric compatibility, they play a major role in enhancing workers’ interaction with their workplace. The current study approached the redesign of such a product with a focus on ERGONOMICs.Materials and Methods: The present research was a typical combined design project. In the quantitative phase, 90 participants underwent 12 anthropometric measurements (which were important in designing industrial chairs). The underlying cognitive aspects of the question were evaluated via qualitative methodologies.Results: Since normal distribution of the data was confirmed, raw anthropometric data were descriptively processed and reported. Cognitive assessments revealed correlations between correct form and softness of the backrest, and appropriate slope of the seat-pan, being a main factor determining the level of comfort while interacting with industrial chairs.Conclusion: Diverse physical constraints and conditions caused by the variety of duties and workstations have made it somehow difficult for specialists to design a universal industrial chair functioning in all different contexts. Nevertheless, the current study confirmed the effectiveness of involving personnel in redesigning the workplace and easing the challenges.

Background and Objective: Nail extension is a profession which has been entered Iran recently and is expanding vastly. Every profession has its own harmful effects. Accordingly, nail salon workers are exposed to ERGONOMIC risk factors due to their awkward posture and equipment and the applied tools. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to evaluate the ERGONOMIC status of nail salon workers in Sabzevar, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytical study was performed on nail workers working in beauty salons. The determination of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was accomplished using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire; furthermore, a novel ERGONOMIC postural assessment (NERPA) method was utilized to evaluate body posture while working. Additionally, the lighting of the work surface was measured to determine its association with musculoskeletal disorders. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 17). Results: According to the results, the highest prevalence of pain was observed in the neck (63. 8%), followed by the upper back (51. 3%), waist (42. 5%), shoulder (41. 3%), and wrist (37. 6%). Body posture assessment by means of NERPA method also showed that the final score was at the highest level (i. e., score 7 representing the need for immediate change) in all cases (100%). In addition, the intensity of the work surface local lighting was lower than the mandatory occupational exposure limit value of Iran (46. 81%). Conclusion: As the finding indicated, musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among nail workers given the unfamiliarity of this profession and lack of sufficient monitoring by occupational hygiene inspectors. Consequently, health care organizations should pay more attention to establish rules and standards to reduce these complications.

Introduction: Extensive development of written interactions in the current world of technology in one hand, and noticeable dominance of English language in this milieu on the other hand, has led to inadequate utilization of Farsi language even amongst native speakers. Lack of experimental data regarding legibility and readability of printed and electronic texts related to this language has been the main theory behind the current research, which was designed to evaluate correlations between typography and reading performance.Materials and Methods: Eighty-four Persian speaking university students, without any specific visual impairments participated in the study. Frequently used Farsi fonts, edited in equal pixel areas and sizes, were evaluated through legibility and readability tests. Word detection and word search techniques were considered for each test. All trails were designed within similar visual interaction conditions to avoid any background biases.Results: Statistical analyses revealed correlations between typography and readying performance in Farsi (compared to English). Amongst six frequently used fonts studied, legibility was significantly higher in Yekan (t(83)=-2.649, p=0.012). Likewise, readability was significantly smoother in Zar font (t(83)=-2.194, p=0.037).Conclusion: The current approach towards classification of Persian fonts confirms the outcomes of the present study. Fonts frequently used for development of body of the texts usually have higher legibility, and types used for presentation purposes mainly possess higher readability.

Objectives: In the last decade in Iran, the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort among office workers has been reported in the neck, back, and shoulder areas. The present study aimed to assess the impact of ERGONOMIC interventions in knowledge-based companies on musculoskeletal disorders, work-related stress, and quality of work life. Methods: In this quasi-randomized controlled trial study, the participants, including 311 office workers, received ERGONOMIC interventions at both individual and managerial levels. Results: The implementation of individual ERGONOMIC training interventions significantly reduced disorders in the neck, right and left shoulders, right forearm, and right wrist. Social support also demonstrated a significant increase in all three intervention groups. The interventions had a significant impact on the quality of working life. The changes in the mean quality of working life for the second and third groups in the first month of growth were significant and then continued similar to the trend of the control group. Conclusion: The implementation of individual ERGONOMIC training interventions significantly reduced musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulders, and upper limbs. Nonetheless, management training interventions did not affect the musculoskeletal disorders of employees. Furthermore, concurrent implementation of individual ERGONOMICs and management interventions exerted a more pronounced effect on the reduction of disorders. The implementation of management educational interventions and combined interventions led to a marked increase in the level of control experienced by participants, while both types of social support interventions also increased. The implementation of a multi-component ERGONOMICs intervention program was demonstrated to enhance the impact of interventions on employees' health and productivity.

Introduction: Sugarcane is an important and strategic product in many countries, including Iran. While the introduction of mechanization, e.g., sugarcane harvesting machines, has significantly enhanced the production process, operators of these machines still face many ERGONOMIC and safety challenges.  Material and Methods: The present study investigated the ERGONOMIC status of sugarcane harvester operators by examining some of their physiological and physical evaluations. Physiological evaluations included heart rate, oral temperature, and energy consumption of the operators, perceptual strain index, and physiological strain index. Physical evaluation included estimating the amount of pain and discomfort in body segments. The correlation between pain and discomfort of body parts with some demographic and physiological indices of users was investigated using IBM SPSS 24 software. Results: Sugarcane harvester operators’ heart rate, energy consumption, and physiological strain index were 79.05 beats/min, 18.81 kJ/min, and 0.83, respectively. The average of three indices of thermal sensation, perceived exertion of activity, and perceptual strain index were estimated as 4.40, 9.21, and 8.86, respectively. Conclusion: Pain and discomfort in the neck and back segments, like many agricultural activities, had the highest rate among the body parts. Also, shorter and thinner operators reported higher pain and discomfort in some segments of the body.

Background and aims: Awkward posture has been recognized as one of the important risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). The current study aimed at determining ERGONOMIC risk level, WMSDs ratio and exploring working postures contribution to WMSD. During the study, working postures were phased and then they were scored using the REBA tool from observing the work.Methods: To perform the study, workers of a home appliances manufacturing factory were assessed. In order to collecting required data, each part of the body was scored and work frequency, load/force, coupling were considered to achieve a REBA score. Nordic Questionnaire was used to determining WMSD ratio and its relationship whit REBA score. 231 working phases were assessed and 13761 questions using Nordic Questionnaire were answered. Percentage of the workers in press, spot welding, grinding, cutting, assembling, and painting was 15.8, 21.6, 25.9, 34.5, 89.9%, respectively. Workers were 18-54 years old and their work recording average was 52 month.Results: REBA score was 4-13 in under study tasks. REBA score=9 had the most frequency (20%) and REBA score=13 had the least frequency (1.4%). Risk level in press, cutting, and painting was high (25.5, 100, 68.2%) cases). This shows that cutting has the highest risk level. On the other hand 38.5% of the workers in past 12 month had problem in different parts of their body.Totally 11.7% of the workers had problem in neck, 19.4$ in leg, 10.7% in foot, 82.5% in lower back, 87.6% in upper back and 7.8% in shoulders.10.7% of the workers had previous illness that 8.7% of them were non occupational and 1.9% were caused their previous jobs. The REBA score mean and ERGONOMIC risk level is not equal in tasks (p-value<0.05) and there is a relationship between age, work recording, REBA score and risk level. (p-value<0.05, r>0). Action level was necessary soon in others.Conclusion: Risk level should be reduced specially in cutting. The heavy workload and working height poor design, awkward posture such as twisting with bending and sometimes carrying objects, standing/sitting for a long time during working shifts are some of the ERGONOMIC risk factors.

Background and Aims: Musculoskeletal disorders in dentists due to abnormal postures may result in economic and health problems. To prevent these problems, the working posture of dental students should be assessed and corrected in dental procedures. This study determines these problems and the effect of training courses on them by Rapid Entire Body Assessment method (REBA).Materials and Methods: The posture of 69 students were assessed by REBA before and after of the “ERGONOMIC principles in dentistry” course. The subjects which were used in the training course were based on the previous studies on this issue. The REBA scores were assessed by SPSS software using Paired T-test.Results: The results showed that the students’ posture should be corrected. Postures of 94.2% of students were in moderate and high risk level which needed to be corrected. The worst working positions were during surgery, endodontic and pediatric dentistry procedures. Although the REBA scores before and after training course were statistically different (P<0.05), the training did not improve the posture of students remarkably.Conclusion: The students’ working postures should be improved. One-day ERGONOMIC principles course improved the working posture of students but it was not sufficient. More training and instructions are needed to have a good working position in dental procedures.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are major concerns of the modern world due to their effect on the physical health and productivity of the workforce. More extensive research is therefore required to identify and prevent these injuries and control the risk factors causing their development.Materials and Methods: The present study uses a theoretical model of ERGONOMIC interventions to examine and improve ERGONOMIC conditions in an automobile spare part manufacturing plant. A total of 44 employees were selected through simple random sampling and according to the Morgan table from the 50 personnel working at the plant. The Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and the review of ERGONOMICs tips inventory were used to identify the ERGONOMIC risk factors. Based on the theoretical model used in the research, the ERGONOMIC intervention was performed in two stages.Findings: In the macro stage of the ERGONOMIC intervention, 7 goals were set and 13 ERGONOMIC recommendations were made in the form of several workshops and task forces. In the micro stage of the ERGONOMIC intervention, 20 ERGONOMIC risk factors were identified and 13 strategies and plans were suggested. With the senior manager's approval, 11 strategies entered the implementation stage with the aim of improving ERGONOMIC conditions and increasing productivity at the workplace.Conclusion: The main outcome of the comprehensive ERGONOMIC interventions performed in the present study was a modified organizational culture, entailing both direct and indirect benefits, such as providing low-cost or no-cost solutions to the problems, creating an active environment of continuous improvement, increasing employees' motivation for participation and being innovative in solving the problems, increasing the inclination among the employees to be an innovative thinker, improving communication between the authorities and the personnel and increasing the employees' general knowledge and capabilities.