The study aims at clarifying prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among steel making workers and employees as well as associated lost work days. Methods: A detailed questionnaire based on Nordic ergonomic questionnaire describing work history, ergonomic condi- tions at work, sign and symptoms of musculoskeletal system with in previous12 months was applied to the investigation among1030 male workers and employees in a steel making plant in Isfahan, Iran, 2004. Results: The prevalence of low back pain ranked top, regardless of job titles followed by knee pain. The age groups (24-35) and (34-45) manifested the most frequent number of (MSDs) and MSDs related lost workdays. Conclusion: This is almost in harmony with the prevalence of MSDs among general population and statistics presented by Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S Department of Labor.
This study investigated the relationship between people's attitudes towards the safety culture and comparing its perceptions among three levels of refinery Personnel: top management, supervisory staff and frontline workers by conducting safety culture survey.A questionnaire comprising general information and 59-safety attitude statement were distributed among 237 workers, 53 supervisors and 12 managers in Isfahan Tar Refinery in Iran.The 10 testable factors, including organizational and management commitment to safety and communication, Rule breaking, Training and competence, Pressure for production and safety, Communication, Personal involvement in health and safety, Accident/Incidents/Near misses, Organizational/management commitment to health and safety, Supervisors/Immediate bosses/Line managers, Health and safety procedures/Instructions/rules, Workforce view on state of safety culture, have high inter-correlations and the three groups of respondents hold quite different attitudes regarding safety culture.These findings can give invaluable indication to the managers to have better understanding of safety culture in this industry.