WMSD Risk Reduction Among Grocery Shoppers and Clerks by Redesigning Double Basket Shopping Carts

Abstract

This study created an ergonomically designed double basket shopping cart with a purpose of reducing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) risks to grocery shoppers and clerks. This study proved that the present design of the double basket shopping cart provides pain and discomfort to the grocery shoppers and clerks which can lead to WMSD. It also showed that incorporating ergonomic features on the proposed design of the double basket shopping cart reduce the pain and discomfort to the grocery shoppers and clerks. The study was conducted in Rey-Sal Grocery Store in Cabuyao, Laguna. Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), NIOSH, Nordic Questionnaire, and surveys were used to determine the pain and discomfort that the grocery shoppers and clerks feel. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to help in the regression analysis of the researchers. Anthropometry was used in the designing the proposed design, to develop the optimal dimensions of the double basket shopping cart for the comfort of the users. The proposed design of the double basket shopping cart effectively reduced the pain level and the discomfort of the grocery shoppers and clerks. It eliminates the need for lifting motions of the grocery shoppers due to the new design. The methods that were used were essential in reducing the risk of WMSD to grocery shoppers and clerks. Cost-benefit analysis and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis were also executed to evaluate the proposed double basket shopping cart design financially, its reliability, durability and performance.