Bernardino Ramazzini's early observations of the link between musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic factors.
Bernardino Ramazzini (1633-1714) systematically studied the relationship between work and diseases. He realized that it was not possible to ascribe all workers' diseases to chemicals or physical agents and foresaw that other factors were involved. He observed that common diseases could originate following the maintenance either of prolonged stationary postures or of unnatural postures (e.g. bakers, workers who stand, sedentary worker, scribes, weavers) or following activities requiring heavy muscular performance (e.g. porters and woodworkers). Furthermore, Ramazzini recognized the need to undertake measures to prevent disorders from repetitive motions and manual lifting and anticipated the now accepted advice of moderation and recommendations of reduction of work duration for a number of hard jobs requiring a standing position or severe muscular effort. From his early writings therefore it is evident that Ramazzini realized the importance of assessing the ergonomic factors associated with the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Franco
Giuliano
G
Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, The School of Medicine and the School of Occupational Medicine, University of Modena, Largo del Pozzo 71, Modena 41100, Italy. franco@unimo.it
Fusetti
Leonardo
L
D006804:Ergonomics / Q000266:history*; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history*; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000266:history*