Ergonomics-Related and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in A High-Hazard Factory in Hatay Region

Abstract

Objectives: The most common work-related diseases are musculoskeletal system disease. This study aims to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in a high-hazard factory and to determine sociodemographic, occupational, and ergonomic risks. Methods: The research is cross-sectional and was conducted in a high-hazard factory, in Hatay, in 2017. The research population was all factory employees (N=190), and it was aimed to reach the whole population. Of the (97.3%), 185 employees participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Scale, the observation-based Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) Ergonomic Risk Analysis Scale, and a questionnaire developed by the researchers are used for data collection. In the statistical analyses p<0,05was accepted as significant. Results According to the Cornell Scale, the frequency of WMSDs was 58.9%. The most common WMSDs were in the lumbar region (34.1%). According to the RULA Scale, 31.9% of the employees had 3rd and 4th-degree ergonomic risk. There were linear relationships between the Cornell Waist Score and each of the three RULA scores (p<0.001). The risk factors for WMSDs in the lumbar region were the presence of chronic disease (OR=5.35), hand tool use (OR=2.63), not having had a work accident (OR=0.04) and RULA scores (OR=1.61), Conclusion: Approximately one-third of the high-hazard factory employees had a high ergonomic risk. WMSDs existed in more than half of the employees. As the ergonomic risk increases, WMSDs increase.