Ergonomic Risk Assessment during an Informal Hand-Made Cookware Operation: Extending an Existing Model.

Busisiwe Shezi,Sipho Ndabandaba,Nokulunga Cele,Renee A Street,Rajen N Naidoo,Angela Mathee

doi:10.3390/ijerph18189459

Abstract

The work conducted in the informal sector is highly variable within and between days. Characterizing ergonomic exposures remains a challenge because of unstructured work settings and schedules. The existing ergonomic risk assessment tools have been widely used in formal work settings with a narrow range of exposure, and for predefined tasks that primarily constitute a daily routine. There is limited information in the literature on how they have been applied in informal workplaces. The aim of this study was to extend an existing risk assessment tool and to evaluate the applicability of the extended tool by assessing ergonomic exposure related to hand-made cookware operations. Eighteen hand-made cookware makers were recruited from six sites. A walkthrough risk assessment questionnaire was used to collect information on workers, tasks, work stations and workplace structures. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) screening tool was extended by including duration and vibration. An action priority matrix was used to guide intervention. According to the RULA action levels, the workers required investigation and changes soon, and immediate investigation and changes. The use of an action priority matrix was appropriate, and indicated that all the workers assessed were within the high to very high exposure domain and required immediate corrective measures. The methodology used proved to be an effective and reliable strategy for identifying ergonomic exposure among hand-made cookware makers.

Highlights

IntroductionIntroduction published maps and institutional affilEpidemiological studies have reported a causal relationship between physical exertion at work (i.e., awkward postures, prolonged static work, repetitive movements, manual material handling, forceful exertions and vibration) [1,2,3] and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) [4]
Introduction published maps and institutional affilEpidemiological studies have reported a causal relationship between physical exertion at work [1,2,3] and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) [4]
Some of the tasks were conducted for 30 min, while other tasks were conducted for ±10 h

Summary

Introduction

Introduction published maps and institutional affilEpidemiological studies have reported a causal relationship between physical exertion at work (i.e., awkward postures, prolonged static work, repetitive movements, manual material handling, forceful exertions and vibration) [1,2,3] and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) [4]. The leading causes of years lived with disability have been reported for WRMDs [5], with low back pain being ranked as sixth in terms of disabilityadjusted life-years (DALYs) [6]. Psychosocial factors such as stress, job dissatisfaction and time pressure have been reported to be associated with WRMDs [7,8]. Various ergonomic risk assessment tools have been used to assess the tasks, postures, movement frequency, force and muscle use in the workplace. Assessment (RULA) [10], Strain Index [11], Revised NIOSH lifting equation [12] and

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Conclusion