Ergonomic Risk Assessment in a Sawmill Industry

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that sawmill workers develop an enormous amount of physical workloads, such as the actions of bending, holding, cutting, and raising limbs awkwardly, which were common contributing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the musculoskeletal complaints among sawmill workers. After the workers’ complaints have been identified, the significant ergonomics risk factors in manual handling tasks among sawmill workers were investigated. Data collection was done using two instruments: Cornell Musculoskeletal and Hand Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment (iERA). The study results show that sawmill workers are highly exposed to ergonomic risk factors, such as awkward postures. Therefore, further research concerning WMSDs is required to explore this issue. This study’s findings can contribute significantly to the body of knowledge, especially in occupational safety and health in Malaysia’s manufacturing industry involved with wood-based products.