Table of Content

1. Thermal stress in workplaces and WBGT specifications

Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) has three measurement areas namely dry bulb temperature, WT bulb temperature and black globe temperature. Ordinary air thermometers are associated with wet bulb temperature. Ambient or natural air temperature is associated with dry bulb temperature. Black globe temperature is obtained when black globe thermometer is used. Air moisture is measured through wet bulb temperature. A high temperature in this regard would incur a negative thermal stressor on workers since when air moisture is high, body cannot get rid of heat through the way of early sweating. High temperature as otherwise can incur stress to the workers if workers are not acclimated properly. Black globe temperature is measuring infrared and solar radiation. WBGT can be determined through following formula:

WBGT = 0.7Tw+0.2Tg+0.1Td where Tw is temperature of wet bulb indicating humidity, Tg is globe temperature indicating radiant heat and Td is dry air temperature (Cooperet al. 2017).

Psychological stress index (PSI) is also a measure that can be derived as

PSI = 5(Tw-Tr)/(39.5-Tr)+(5HRw-HRr)/(180-HRr) where Tw and Tr indicating rectal temperature at work and rest respectively. HRw and HRrare showing heart rate at work and rest respectively.

2. Physical hazards connectivity in workplaces with different digital instruments

Dynamometer can be defined as an instrument that measures power output of industrial engines (Poomsalood, Muthumayandi&Hambly, 2019).

Accelerometer is defined as an instrument that is measuring acceleration of any vibrating or moving body.

Goniometer may be defined as an instrument by which angles can be measured (Cooper et al. 2017).

Dynamometers can be utilized for measuring physical status of workers along with assessing of their performance. Change in physical activities of workers can be accessed through the tool of accelerometer. Electro goniometer is used for measuring continuously wrist extension or flexion. Alongside, adduction or abduction of angles is also measurable with this tool.

3. Risk of MSD in workplaces

Hazards of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) in workplaces can be advocated through the introduction of a static force model. Operations with pneumatic power screwdriver, which is flexible with MSD, must be evaluated with this tool (Parry et al. 2017). This static model can estimate handle force required for supporting a nut-turner. A static force along with moment equilibrium situations may be established through which output handle force could be calculated. A dynamic framework may be formulated through which characteristics of building up pneumatic motor torque can be described. Accuracy as well as precision is measurable in this regard. Error with average torque can be reduced to 6.6% along with SD 5.4%.

4. Evaluation of non-ionizing radiation sources in workplaces

Sources of non-ionizing radiation can be observed in diverse occupational settings, which are reasonable for considerable health risks if not controlled properly. Often employees are unaware about source of health hazards from these sources. As such, microwave radiation may be absorbed through skin that even can damage internal tissues (osha.gov, 2019)

Carcinogenicity is rational with exposure to non-ionizing radiations. Both computational methods and evidence-based data are suitable for measuring this tendency of carcinogenicity. In this regard, this radiation sources are visibly responsible for introducing static magnetic and electric field. Several instruments can be suitable herein such as goniometer and accelerometer can describe statistical and waveform characteristics through evidence-based knowledge can be gathered. However, computational methods are not as reliable as since often employees have lack of concrete knowledge in this regard.

5. Prevention of MSD in workplaces

Some common types in MSD vulnerabilities for workplaces are Tendonitis, Ligament sprain, Epicondylities and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In this context, workplaces are commonly viewing health hazards originated from MSD. Some core strategies that would be essential for preventing MSD in workplaces may be as follows:

• Program management
• Ergonomics
• Warm-up stretching
• Early interventions
• Musculoskeletal wellness
• Workplace training for grasping knowledge of MSD

In this context, ergonomics will be a strategic choice since its can help organizations to design workplaces with scientific mindset keeping in mind workers capabilities and limitations (Yazdaniet al. 2017).

Reference List

Cooper, E., Grundstein, A., Rosen, A., Miles, J., Ko, J., & Curry, P. (2017). An evaluation of portable wet bulb globe temperature monitor accuracy. Journal of athletic training, 52(12), 1161-1167.

Osha.gov. (2019).Non-ionizing Radiation. Retrieved on 22 January 2019 from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiation_nonionizing/

Parry, S. P., Coenen, P., O’Sullivan, P. B., Maher, C. G., &Straker, L. M. (2017). Workplace interventions for increasing standing or walking for preventing musculoskeletal symptoms in sedentary workers.Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (1).

Poomsalood, S., Muthumayandi, K., &Hambly, K. (2019). Can stretch sensors measure knee range of motion in healthy adults?.Biomedical Human Kinetics, 11(1), 1-8.

Yazdani, A., Hilbrecht, M., Imbeau, D., Bigelow, P., Neumann, W. P., Pagell, M., & Wells, R. (2017). Key Informants’ Perspectives: Management Commitment, Training, and Worker Participation in the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders. IISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors, 5(3-4), 172-184.