Ergonomics assessment of loading and unloading bagged cargoes: Case study at Sai Gon Port

Abstract

Abstract Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a prevalent global health issue, affecting workers in various industries, including port workers. The 28 labor postures are divided into independent manual loading and unloading, coordinated manual loading and unloading, and conveyor loading and unloading. Bagged loading and unloading personnel at Vietnam’s Saigon Port are assessed using OWAS, RULA, and REBA methods. 46.4% of unreasonable postures require further analysis, and 53.6% of exceptional inappropriate positions require adjustment. Replace manual and conveyor belt loading and unloading workgroups based on lifting weight and operational constraints, within a narrow range of recommendations. The chronic risk of MSDs in workers’ appearance is 43%, with an Orebro average score of 100.87±1.21 points, compared to 118,38±1,17 points in the disease group. The average pain location is 4.64±0.23 locations. The most painful positions in the workers were recorded: low back (58%), shoulder (57%), and neck (55%). The 8 main factors that affect the MSDs in objective workers are job satisfaction (10.71%); kneeling frequency (8.61%); positioning loads on the left shoulder (7.43%); hook usage frequency (5.86%); sex life frequency (3.79%); noise impact (3.11%); fatigue (3.02%); the number of working days per week (2.88%).