Ergonomic Worksite Analysis of an Army Dental Clinic
Abstract
The purposes of this worksite analysis were: (1) to identify the prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), associated symptoms and risk factors, with special attention to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), (2) to identify practitioners at risk, and (3) to offer suggestions for early identification and prevention of injuries, as needed. The worksite analysis of the Fort Leonard Wood, MO DENTAC, involved videotaping, photographing work stations, administering two questionnaires, reviewing medical records, and interviewing selected personnel. One or more symptoms indicative of CTS were noted by 75.6% of the dental workers and 11% reported diagnosed CTS. Although dental assistants expanded function (DAEFs) were found to be at greatest risk for development of upper extremity symptoms and carpal tunnel syndrome, each of the MOS groupings displayed a high percentage of hand/wrist symptoms. Back and shoulder pain was reported by 53% of the respondents. Psychosocial factors as well as physical risk factors were found to be associated with cumulative disorder symptoms. Suggestions for injury surveillance and prevention were offered. Cumulative trauma, carpal tunnel syndrome, overuse injury, repetitive trauma, dental.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA256044
Entities
People
- Bradley C. Nindl
- George Murnyak
- John S. Pentikis
- Valerie J. Rice
- Vivian Rush
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine