Ergonomic Factors Research Articles

(Un)ergonomic working conditions for a paramedic in a medical ambulance

The work of a paramedic, is characterised by a high risk of injury. Ergonomic, psychological, and biomechanical factors are considered risk factors in the profession of emergency medical technicians. Ensuring ergonomic working conditions for emergency medical technicians is a priority and requires a thorough assessment both in the design process and during the operation of the ambulance, to provide a diagnosis of the current state and present necessary recommendations for modernization. Identifying stressors will enable the design of an ergonomic interior for the ambulance, ensuring comfort and reliability for members of the emergency medical team, thereby reducing the risk of injuries. The authors of this article developed a comprehensive methodology for assessing the nuisances occurring during the paramedic's work, which required specialised preliminary research. The research included the measurement and analysis of the paramedic's movement kinematics during typical medical procedures, both at a standstill and while driving the ambulance. For the analysis of motion kinematics, a non-invasive method called myoMotion was employed, and the study was conducted in a Mercedes ambulance. This article contains preliminary results on the evaluation of movement kinematics. These demonstrated the necessity for the paramedic to adopt forced positions when performing medical procedures. The ranges of movement of the individual body parts of the paramedic deviated from accepted norms, resulting in musculoskeletal overload. The acquired knowledge forms the basis for a detailed analysis of tasks performed within each procedure from the perspective of the spatial structure of the ambulance, the arrangement of equipment and medical supplies, their accessibility during work, and the organization of work within the ambulance. Additional identification of musculoskeletal system stress, its sources, and the formulation of modification recommendations for the ambulance interior will enable ensuring the comfort and reliability of the work for emergency medical teams, thereby reducing the risk of injuries in the workplace. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(1):31-44.

The relationship between the level of postural stress, Musculoskeletal Disorders, and chronic fatigue: A case study in the dairy industry.

Dairy industry workers face numerous ergonomic risk factors in their workplace, including improper posture, manual material handling, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Fewstudies have been conducted on the correlation of postural stress, MSDs, and chronic fatigue among workers in the dairy industry. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of postural stress, MSDs, and chronic fatigue in a dairy company. In this cross-sectional study, 260 male workers were included in the research based on specific inclusion criteria. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, Chalder Fatigue Scale, and a researcher-made demographic questionnaire were used to collect data. The posture of workers was evaluated using RULA and REBA software, and the evaluation of the manual lifting of loads was assessed using the WISHA lifting calculator. Finally, the collected data were entered into the SPSS software version 26.0 and analyzed. The findings revealed a significant statistical relationship between the level of postural stress and chronic fatigue and a significant positive correlation between MSDs and chronic fatigue. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was observed between MSDs, chronic fatigue, and ergonomics training experience. The results obtained in this study support the notion that high levels of postural stress and MSDs can produce an increase in chronic fatigue among workers, and lack of ergonomics training for workers can increase both MSDs and chronic fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out intervention measures in the field of ergonomics management in similar industries through the implementation of ergonomic intervention programs with a focus on proactive and preventive measures and the use of participatory ergonomic programs and educational demands assessment.

Identifikasi Masalah Kesehatan Berdasarkan Faktor yang Berpengaruh pada Kesehatan Pekerja Pabrik Accu

The development of industries that is engaged in battery manufacturing cannot be separated from occupational safety and health problems because the used materials are chemicals. Every day, there are 6000 cases of work accidents which result in fatalities. The chemicals that needed to make batteries can cause poisoning or are allergens for humans. Searches were carried out via Google Scholars, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ResearchGate and Science Direct. There were 46 journals containing health problem based on factors that influence battery factory workers topics. From 46 journals, there were 16 cross-sectional studies, 7 systematic reviews, 10 literature reviews, 8 cohort studies, 1 meta-analysis, and 4 case-control studies. In this study, it was found that health problems among battery factory workers consisted of several health problems based on influencing factors, there are physical factors, chemical factors, biological factors, and ergonomic factors. In these factors, there are risks that can result in occupational diseases. In terms of physical factors, there are problems with noise, radiation, vibration, and electric current. In chemical factors, there are problems with dust, irritants, and gases. Biological factors that play a role in this problem are pollutants. As well as ergonomic factors related to the occurrence of Low Back Pain. Battery factory workers have many health risk problems that they will contract. Health problems in battery factory workers are based on influencing factors consisting of physical factors, chemical factors, biological factors, and ergonomic factors. These factors can result in occupational diseases.

A Review of Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Rubber Tappers in Thailand, Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka

Rubber tapping is regarded as an occupational risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The impact of MSDs on the individual and their ability to work varies significantly from person to person. MSDs can cause work-limiting pain and fatigue which many people feel unable to disclose. A literature review of 14 papers on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among rubber tappers research in four selected countries Thailand, India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The highest number of articles were identified from Thailand, the country having the highest production of rubber. Follow by India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Ergonomic risk factors cause wide range of occupational related diseases among agriculture workers especially rubber plantation population. In view of limited study on prevalence of MSD among rubber tapper in Malaysia, this study was attempted to determine the prevalence of MSD among rubber tapper based on article selection. The highest number of articles were identified from Thailand, the country having the highest production of rubber.

Kesehatan kerja dan penyakit akibat kerja: studi kasus penyakit otot rangka dan sendi di tempat kerja

Background: Low back pain (LBP) or lower back pain is a musculoskeletal disease that often occurs in workers who carry out sitting activities for long periods of time, such as office workers. Methods: This paper uses a literature study method, which is sourced from literature such as scientific articles, books, journals and online media. Findings: The main cause of LBP is inappropriate ergonomic factors such as working position and equipment used. LBP can cause a decrease in productivity and reduce the quality of life of workers. The aim of this study is to analyze risk factors, pathophysiology, and efforts to prevent LBP in workers based on a literature review. Conclusion: The study results show that risk factors for LBP include individual factors (age, gender), work factors (work position, work load), and environmental factors (work room temperature). Pathophysiologically, LBP occurs due to disturbances in the anatomical structure of the spine which are triggered by static working positions for long periods of time. Recommendations for preventing LBP in workers include increasing education about LBP and ergonomic working positions, regular health checks, and physical activity or stretching. It is hoped that this study can become a reference in efforts to prevent LBP in workers.

Impacts of ergonomic risk factors on the well-being and innovation capability of employees in the manufacturing industry

Objectives. Although various studies have examined the relationship between ergonomic factors and employee well-being, the impacts of ergonomic factors on workers’ capability for innovation have not yet been studied in the manufacturing industry. This study advances understanding of the relationship between ergonomic risk factors and employees’ capability to innovate and to feel good at work in the manufacturing sector. Methods. The analysis uses the structural equation modeling technique based on cross-sectional data collected from 200 experienced workers in manufacturing industries using self-administered close-ended questionnaires. Results. Findings from this research show that the main ergonomic factors influencing the well-being and innovation capability of employees in the manufacturing industry are neutral awkward posture, psychological risk factors and effective utilization of information and communications technology infrastructures. Thus, ergonomic factors are significantly correlated to the innovation capability of employees. Conclusion. As there have been no studies addressing the integration of ergonomic risk factors and the capability for innovation of employees in the manufacturing industry, this study provides a unique contribution to the body of knowledge. Further research is also required to develop an in-depth understanding of the relationship among components of each ergonomic risk factor, and the well-being and innovation capability of employees.

The Role of Ergonomic and Human Factors in Sustainable Manufacturing: A Review

The study and implementation of ergonomics are vital for the growth of industries and improvement in work cultures. Sustainable manufacturing cannot be achieved without the implementation of human-factor ergonomics. Ergonomics is used to analyze the link between research studies and industrial practices in order to maximize the efficiency of processes by keeping in view the well-being of workforce. Designing tools, tasks, machines, systems, jobs, and settings for efficient, safe, and successful human usage involves applying knowledge about human behavior, abilities, and limitations. Workers are the backbone of the manufacturing economy. The review outlines significant advancements in preventing ergonomic problems during the design stage of the manufacturing process to achieve sustainability. The bibliometric analysis is used to identify the literature base for ergonomics. To maximize the benefits of ergonomics and to integrate sustainable practices, various methods are required to organize existing processes and technologies. The human-centered design identifies problems and aligns the output with the intended objectives of sustainability. The goal of human factors and ergonomics is to successfully integrate people into systems and develop the manufacturing processes around the well-being of workers and sustainability principles. Similarly, ergoecology, eco-ergonomics, and green ergonomics are frequently used for sustainable manufacturing. Achieving sustainability in manufacturing is not possible without considering human ergonomics. Ergonomists frequently research management, planning, and other topics to increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process. Efficient worker performance and quality of life can be enhanced through work design, management, and organizational ergonomics. Human ergonomics relates sustainability with cognitive variables such as situational awareness, human reliability, and decision-making abilities. This review explains the role of human factors and ergonomics for sustainable manufacturing.

Fuzzy Logic Method for Measuring Sustainable Decent Work Levels as a Corporate Social Responsibility Approach

The purpose of this study was to propose an interactive computer system that utilises the MATLAB Fuzzy Logic Designer to measure the level of implementation of SDG 8, which focuses on sustainable decent work (SDW) and economic growth. This study used policies and laws as parameters to determine the presence or absence of SDW. The fuzzy method was implemented in car windshield manufacturing in the auto parts industry as a case study to define and quantify work conditions and to determine the level of sustainable decent work (SDWL). The study described environmental conditions, such as noise, lighting, and heat stress; ergonomic factors, such as exposure time, the mass of the object manipulated, and lifting frequency; and organisation at work, such as workplace violence, salary, and workday, as linguistic variables. The level of the presence or absence of SDW was defined as their membership functions. The resulting vectors determined the absence of SDW with a score of 1.5 in two linguistic variables: environmental conditions and ergonomic factors. Some features of SDW in the linguistic variable organisation at work had an SDW score of 5. The SDWL vector determined a final score of 1.24, indicating the absence of decent work in production areas. This study found that the workers suffer a lack of long and healthy lives and a bad standard of living without economic growth due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders and work illnesses, increasing their out-of-pocket spending and catastrophic health expenses. As a CSR approach, assessing SDWLs helped managers improve policies and work conditions.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risk assessment among radiologists and gastroenterologists using the workplace ergonomic risk assessment method

Background. Ergonomic risk factors in the workplace expose gastroenterologists and radiologists to Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs). This study aims to compare the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risk factors in these two groups of physicians. 
 Materials and methods. This descriptive study was conducted on 360 physicians (radiologists and gastroenterologists) at the 5 University and teaching hospitals in Tehran. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was detected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) method was used to estimate and evaluate the ergonomic risk factors in each physician. Finally, the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders was compared between the two groups using statistical tests. 
 Results. The prevalence of shoulder (70% vs 36.66%; OR=4.03 (2.59–6.25); p<0.001) and hand pain (45% vs 30%; OR=2.78 (1.80–4.31); p<0.001) among radiologists was significantly higher than that among gastroenterologists. In contrast, gastroenterologists had a significantly higher prevalence of upper (65% vs 38.33%; OR=2.98 (1.94–4.58); p<0.001) and lower back pain (67.2% vs 49.44%; OR=2.55 (2.06–3.17); p<0.001) than radiologists. The mean WERA final score, the leg score, forceful score, contact stress, and task duration in radiologists were higher than that of gastroenterologists and the back score in gastroenterologists was higher than radiologists (p<0.05).
 Limitations. In this study, the psychological factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders have not been investigated.
 Conclusion. WRMSDs had a relatively high prevalence among radiologists (shoulder and hand pain) and gastroenterologists (upper and lower back). Due to the impact of ergonomic risk factors on these disorders in the workplace, ergonomic interventions should be implemented to reduce these risk factors in occupational settings.

Psychosocial risks of the work environment and metabolic syndrome (literature review)

Introduction. Along with physical, chemical, ergonomic, and biological factors, working psychosocial stress is one of the main risks for the development of metabolic syndrome (MS), system effects of which can cause severe lesions of cardiovascular, endocrine, and hepatobiliary systems.
 The purpose of the work was to summarize and analyze modern domestic and foreign experience of studying the relationship between categories and factors of psychosocial risks of the working environment and MS and its components in different occupational cohorts.
 The publications were searched through the RSCI, CyberLeninka, eLibrary, and PubMed databases containing Russian and foreign sources of scientific information for 2006–2023. 
 The article briefly highlights the taxonomy of categories and factors of psychosocial hazards and risks in the workplace, as well as the most popular questionnaires for quantitative assessment of psychosocial stress, based on the requirement/control model (JDC) assessing workload in gradations of high, active, passive, low, and effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model. The close association of JDC and ERI with metabolic syndrome, obesity, blood lipid profile atherogenicity, and hyperglycemia in men and women of different occupational cohorts with high and low socioeconomic status was examined. 
 Conclusion. The analysis of scientific publications has convincingly shown working psychosocial stress to have a causal relationship with MS that regardless of intervening factors (age, gender, socio-economic status, lifestyle, bad habits). At the same time, the statistical significance of stress-realizing effects in relation to MS components is determined by the used model for assessing psychosocial risks and is complementary to the cognitive assessment of perceived stress, which must be taken into account when planning and conducting research.

Applied OHS With Empirical Ergonomics and Hazard Methods to Minimize Fatigue at KPPS Cerme Gresik

To support fair, honest, and Luber Jurdil elections, public awareness about the importance of healthy politics needs to be increased. Voters who have registered for the permanent election (DPT) must cast five ballots in the 2019 simultaneous elections. Voter participation in the 2019 elections, which reached 81.97%, and legislative participation (Pileg) in 2019, which reached 81.69%, showed a fairly good election organization in 2019. However, this is at odds with the health and safety of KPPS officers. According to the KPU RI, the number of election organizers who died in the 2019 elections was 11,239, with 527 victims dying, based on the results of the Ministry of Health's investigation in 28 provinces. Based on the investigation and analysis of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the fatigue factor triggered the disease suffered by polling station officers. It is necessary to conduct ergonomic research on KPPS officers in the 2024 elections, which is useful for developing an election polling station model that is comfortable, safe, healthy, effective, and efficient so as to reduce factors that cause fatigue while working. The components studied include workload components, rest time, or the physical work environment at election polling stations. The data collection methods used in this research are observation, interview, direct data, and literature study.The analysis used in this study produces a list of events and classifies the incidence of fatigue of KPPS officers, the most problematic workplace. fatigue classification, Identifying Ergonomic Risk Factor (ERF), Data processing, Analysis and discussion as well as conclusions and suggestions.

Hazard Identification Using Task Risk Assessment Method and Bowtie Analysis (Case Study: PT. Varia Usaha Beton)

PT. Varia Usaha Beton is a subsidiary of PT. Semen Indonesia Beton, which produces various types of products. PT Varia Usaha Beton (BSP Purwokerto) has an open work area where there are potential hazards such as physical factors, chemical factors and ergonomic factors. The aim of this research is to identify hazards, assess risks and control risks in the production process of ready-mixed concrete so that workplace accidents can be minimized. The methods used in this research are task risk assessment and bowtie analysis. Based on the research results, it was found that 1 risk belonged to the low category, 27 risks belonged to the medium category, and 11 risks belonged to the high category. Based on the bow-tie method, the major risks are exposure to fly ash and cement dust, risk of diesel spills, and risk of electric shock. The main causes of workplace accidents are pipe leaks and improper diesel filling. The main risk effects of workplace accidents are worker injury, and fire. The bowtie analysis method determines that the risk of electric shock is due to a damaged cable and the existing protective barrier is intended to replace the damaged cable. This risk has consequences, namely injuries to workers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome among Manitoba workers: Results from the Manitoba Occupational Disease Surveillance System.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is associated with occupational high-force repetitive tasks and vibration. This project examines the relationship between CTS and work to: (1) identify jobs and industries with increased CTS risk; (2) explore whether there is a sex difference in the risk of CTS after controlling for occupation; and (3) determine whether any observed relationships persist after excluding Workers Compensation Board (WCB) accepted time-loss CTS claims. We linked 95.5% of time-loss WCB claims from 2006 to 2019 to provincial administrative health data. The cohort included 143,001 unique person-occupation combinations. CTS cases were defined as at least two medical claims for (ICD-9 354) within a 12-month period or a surgical claim for CTS from 2 years before the WCB claim to 3 years after. WCB accepted CTS time-loss claims not identified by the medical claims were also included. A total of 4302 individuals (3.0%) met the CTS definition. Analysis revealed that the hazard ratios (HRs) of CTS vary considerably with occupation. Sex-based differences in CTS risks were observed, both in low- and high-risk occupations. In many occupations with increased HR, the HR remained elevated after excluding accepted time-loss WCB cases. The risk of developing CTS varied with occupation. Job titles with ergonomic risk factors had higher risks than those with lower exposures. This finding remained after eliminating time-loss compensated WCB cases, suggesting that all cases of CTS in high risk jobs are not identified in WCB statistics. Female workers in some job titles had excess CTS cases compared to male workers within the same job title.

Work-related musculoskeletal complaints and ergonomic risk factors among Egyptian anesthesiologists: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAnesthesiologists are vulnerable to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) due to sustained repetitive movements and awkward postures. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of WMSDs among anesthesiologists and to evaluate its association with ergonomic risk factors.MethodsA convenience sample of 380 Egyptian anesthesiologists were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study through an electronic questionnaire. Data were collected from May to August 2022 and involved questions about participants’ demographic, health, and work-related characteristics; the ergonomic risks and perceived hazards; and the musculoskeletal complaints during the past 12 months and 7 days - using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistical analyses were used to estimate the prevalence of MSD and identify its determinants in the studied sample.ResultsA total of 215 anesthesiologists were included in this study, with a 56.8% response rate, 66% males with an average age of 38 (± 0.7) years. 21% were resident physicians, 47% were specialists, and 32% were consultants. The 12-month prevalence of MSD among anesthesiologists was 71.6% (95% CI: 65.6– 77.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that the main determinants of MSD among the studied sample were age of 45-years and older (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.21–8.52, p = 0.018), regular physical exercise (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.10–0.65, p = 0.005), insufficient rest time between procedures (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.15–4.41, p = 0.018), and three or more awkward postures of the trunk (OR: 3.55, 95% CI: 1.43–8.82, p = 0.006).ConclusionsThe study highlights a high prevalence of WMSDs among Egyptian anesthesiologists, linked to advancing age, lack of regular exercise, insufficient rest between procedures, and frequent awkward postures. Addressing these ergonomic risk factors through targeted workplace interventions is crucial for promoting the overall well-being of anesthesiologists and ensuring the provision of safe anesthesia services.

Investigation of Working Conditions and Health Status in Platform Workers in the Republic of Korea

BackgroundThe present study aimed to analyze several aspects of the working conditions and health status of platform workers in the Republic of Korea, such as ergonomic and emotional hazards. We also compared the health status of the platform workers with that of the general population. MethodsA total of 1,000 platform workers participated in this survey from August 7 to August 17, 2022. The participants included 400 designated drivers, 400 food-delivery drivers, and 200 housekeeping managers. A face-to-face survey with a structured questionnaire was conducted by researchers who had received specific instructions. The focus of the survey extended to the work environment, encompassing factors such as workplace violence, as well as physical, chemical, and ergonomic hazards. Health-related data for the previous year were also collected, covering a range of issues such as hearing problems, skin problems, musculoskeletal symptoms, headaches, injuries, mental health issues, and digestive problems. Subsequently, we compared the health symptom data of the responders with those of the general population in the Republic of Korea. ResultsPlatform workers, including designated drivers, food-delivery drivers, and housekeeping managers, existed in the blind spot of social insurance, facing frequent exposure to physical and chemical hazards, ergonomic risk factors, and direct or indirect violence. The prevalence of health problems, including musculoskeletal symptoms, general fatigue, and depressive symptoms, in each occupational group was statistically higher than that in the general population after standardization for age and gender. ConclusionThe results revealed unfavorable working environment and inferior occupational health of platform workers compared with those of the general population.

Изучение эргономических факторов: влияние ветра на подачу мяча в пляжном волейболе

In the article, the authors consider one of the actively developing sports in the world and Russia – beach volleyball. Comparative analysis revealed the features of classic and beach volleyball and interdependent factors. The purpose of the scientific study was to determine the effect of wind on the delivery of various methods in beach volleyball. To conduct a scientific study, video and photographic materials were collected and studied, on which an analysis was carried out and the main phases of motor activity were identified. Applied research was carried out in the study of the profile subject “Biomechanics of motional activity”, biomechanical actions in the game and the main ergonomic factor in the chosen sport were revealed. With the help of ergonomic biomechanical factors, the features of classic and beach volleyball are determined. The main ergonomic natural factor was identified, which is the wind as a physical phenomenon that affects not only the trajectory of motor actions, in which the serve acts as the main link in the development of the concept of the game, but also the influence of atmospheric phenomena on the stability of the support and movement of the body in space.

Ergonomic Risk Factors and Job Performance of Electronic Employee in Malaysia

Introduction: Ergonomics is the scientific study of the interactions between humans and other elements of a system to improve human well-being and overall system performance. In larger scope ergonomics examines human behavioral, psychological, and physiological capabilities and limitations. It has given a huge impact on the workers comfort which directly affects the work efficiency and productivity. In Malaysia, the electronics industry is the leading industry in the manufacturing sector and one of the largest employers. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between ergonomics factors and job performance among employees in electronics industry. Material and Method: A total of 155 employees in electronic industry were involved as respondents in this study. A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires consisting of sections on physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, and organizational ergonomics and job performance. The data were analysed using SPSS version 25, and descriptive statistics, person correlation and multiple liner regressions were used to identify the factors associated with job performance. Results: The findings showed that there is a significant relationship between ergonomics factors (physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, and organizational ergonomics) and employee performance with p<0.05. While the multiple linear regression analysis found that the most contributing ergonomics factors was physical ergonomics that significantly affects job performance in the electronics industry in Malaysia. Conclusion: Ergonomics factors can be used to promote improved performance and productivity from the employees in the organization such as awareness training and education.

Relationship Between Ergonomic Factors And Employee Performance Among Employees At Proton Holdings Berhad

Relationship Between Ergonomic Factors And Employee Performance Among Employees At Proton Holdings Berhad

Musculoskeletal Pain and its Ergonomics Risk Factors among School Teachers from Tamil Nadu, India: a Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Teachers are often exposed to occupational hazards like musculoskeletal pain which may force them to early retirement from their jobs, affecting their quality of life. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among government school teachers and to assess its ergonomic risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among government school teachers in Kundrathur Block, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. The study was conducted from June to November 2019 for 6 months. In total, 400 participants were included in the study. Descriptive statistics like frequency and percentage were used for different variables and the various risk factors as well as inferential statistics like prevalence, confidence interval, odds ratio, and chi-square test were used for finding the association between the dependent and independent variables. Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among school teachers was 69.8%. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the factors such as sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47-4.15) with p-value = <0.01* and number of students in each class (aOR= 1.86; 95% CI: 1.12-3.08) with p-value = <0.01* were identified to be significant risk factors associated with musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among school teachers was found to be high. This clearly shows the significant burden of this occupational hazard on the teacher’s community, which should be addressed to focus on its prevention.

Addressing Work Posture and Ergonomic Risk Factors in Traditional Batik-Making: A Case Study of MSME Batik Bakaran Juwana Workers

This research was conducted on batik-making workers. Based on observations, the batik process making is done manually using inappropriate work postures and repetitive movements that can trigger complaints musculoskeletal. This research aims to analyze work posture and ergonomic risk factors in the process of making batik. The research method used is WERA and NERPA. The research was conducted at 8 stations with 10 activities carried out by 43 workers. The results of the WERA method show that there are 2 activities at the low-risk level and 8 activities at a medium-risk level, so the activities require further research and need changes. While the NERPA method showed that there were three activities with a score of 3 namely, two activities with a score of 4, two activities with a score of 6, and three activities with a score of 7. Activities with scores of 6 and 7 not only require further investigation but also require changes. These activities are cloth dyeing, cloth dyeing in dyeing tubs, cloth dyeing in boiling furnaces, cloth washing and cloth drying. Proposed improvements include using a table, raising the water tank, raising the stove, providing a water tank, and lowering the height of the drying area.