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Prevalence of MSDs and Postural Risk Assessment in Floor Mopping Activity Through Subjective and Objective Measures
Gouri Naik1, Mohammed Rajik Khan2
1Department of Design, IIT, Delhi, India.
Background:
Residential and commercial cleaning is a part of our daily routine to maintain sanitation around the environment. Health care of professionals involved in such cleaning activities has become a major concern all over the world. The present study investigates the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in professional cleaners involved in floor mopping tasks.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was performed on 132 mopping professionals using a modified Nordic questionnaire. The Pearson correlation test was implemented to study the association of perceived pain with work experience. The muscle strain and postural risk were evaluated by means of three-channel electromyography and real-time motion capture respectively of 15 professionals during floor mopping.
Results:
Regarding musculoskeletal injuries, risk was reported majorly in the right hand, lower back, left wrist, right shoulder, left biceps, and right wrist of the workers. Work experience had a low negative association with MSDs in the left wrist, right wrist, right elbow, lower back, and right lower arm (p < 0.01). Surface EMG showed occurrence of higher muscle activity in upper trapezius and biceps brachii (BB) muscles of the dominant hand and flexor carpi radialis and BB muscles of the nondominant hand positioned at the upper and lower portion of the mop rod, respectively.
Conclusion:
Ergonomic mediations should be executed to lessen the observed risk of musculoskeletal injuries in this professional group of workers.
Insights
Professional cleaners face significant musculoskeletal disorder risks, particularly in the hands, wrists, and lower back during floor mopping. Ergonomic interventions are crucial to mitigate these work-related injuries.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Daily cleaning tasks are essential for sanitation but pose health risks to professional cleaners.
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a growing global concern for workers in cleaning professions.
- This study focuses on the specific risks associated with floor mopping tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in professional floor mopping cleaners.
- To identify specific body parts most affected by repetitive mopping motions.
- To analyze the relationship between work experience and reported pain.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 132 professional cleaners.
- Utilized a modified Nordic questionnaire to assess pain and MSD symptoms.
- Employed electromyography (EMG) and motion capture to evaluate muscle strain and posture in 15 participants during mopping.
Main Results:
- High risk of MSDs reported in the right hand, lower back, wrists, and right shoulder.
- Work experience showed a negative association with MSDs in several upper and lower limb areas (p < 0.01).
- EMG revealed elevated muscle activity in the upper trapezius and biceps brachii (dominant hand), and flexor carpi radialis and biceps brachii (non-dominant hand).
Conclusions:
- Floor mopping presents significant ergonomic risks leading to musculoskeletal injuries.
- Targeted ergonomic interventions are recommended to reduce the incidence of MSDs in this workforce.
- Addressing muscle strain and postural risks is key to improving cleaner health and safety.
