A Study on Risk Prediction and Prevention Guidelines for CTDs

Park, Dong Hyun; Yoon, Ik Keun

Abstract

CTDs have been a growing problems for US and European industries with higher incidence rate every year. In our country, we have just Started to recognize and to work on the problems in industry. In this respect, this would be the first ergonomic-based CTD study with medical data. Two automobile part plants were ergonomically and clinically surveyed for this study. Specifically,' 25 jobs from A industry and 51 jobs from B industry were matched with the clinical data. Two types of analysis were conducted. First, ergonomic job evaluation using CTD checklist was done for both industries to figure out the relative risks for each jobs. Second, comprehensive analysis for risk factors regarding CTDs was conducted. It produced mainly two results. First, multiple regression analysis of both worker and work-related factors on total scores based on the results of the'physical examination showed that there was no statistically significant relationships between total scores based on physical examinations and either worker or work-related risk factors. Second, logistic analyses for both factors were done. An user-friendly logistic program was developed for this analysis and for the future analysis of CTD study in the long-run. The program would have even non-expert in statistical package easily manipulate logistic analysis. Based on the logistic analysis, there was no significant relationships between worker related risk factors and all CTD types except marital status. However, there was some significant results in terms of work-related factors. Lateral pinch and ulnar deviations had significant relationship with both all CTD types and CTS. Power grip was associated with all types of CTDs, Tendinitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The cycle time had significant effects only on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In conclusion, the first ergonomic-based CTD study has been initiated in Korea. However, it was realized that good overall situation for CTD study in Korea has been before the right time yet. Therefore, futher research on the basis of the framework of this study is strongly suggested to have a complete CTD guidelines in the near future.