Integration of ICF Framework in Occupational Hazards to predict Fall risk.

Authors: Ayesha Jannat, Vijay Muthaiah, Arthika Kandasamy, Lydia Clark, Mylin Ngo

SUNY Campus: SUNY Buffalo

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 47

Timeslot: Session C 1:45-2:45 PM

Abstract: Background. The chronic exposure of welding fumes in welders may manifest movement disorders similar to Parkinson's disease. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the ICF component's environmental and personal factors on fall risk and balance control in welders. The environmental factors considered were noise, Vibration, and fume exposure. The personal factors were the welder's choice to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect respiratory function, hearing, and eye health. Methods. In this study, we assessed the fall risk and balance using standardized outcome measures such as the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fall Efficacy Scale (FES), and Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BEST) in Welders. We compared the performance of welders in BBS, FES, and Mini-BEST based on the frequency of fume exposure (Constant, Frequent, occasional, and No exposures). We have also regressed all the environmental and personal factors, total years of welding experience, and fall history to determine their influence on the welder's performance in BBS, FES, and Mini-BEST. Results. Mean BBS and FES scores by Fume Exposure categories showed a moderate variation across exposure levels. The variation across groups in Mini-BEST indicated that frequency exposure (Freq) was associated with the lowest performance. The regression analysis showed that Vibration had a strong negative effect on the balance, especially for the Frequent (-28.66) and Occupational exposure (-50.35), along with fall efficacy perception. The coefficients for NoiseExp categories (Cont, Freq, and Occ) showed a moderate negative impact on BBS and FES scores, especially in the Frequent (-15.53) and Occupational exposures (-15.00).