Ergonomic Risk Assessment Research Articles

ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT ON SELECTED HOT-WORK WORKERS AT COMPANY XXX

Company XXX is a factory that involving manufacturing of offshore containers in where the hot works are one of the crucial activities in fabrication and structuring the framework of the containers. This study had been conducted at hot work section to conduct initial and advanced ergonomic risk assessment to identify ergonomic risk factors involved among hot-work workers which cause the significant number of reports on ergonomic related health issues at hot works area from the year 2011 to year 2017. The initial and advanced ergonomic risk assessment had been conducted based on DOSH latest release of guideline on ergonomic risk assessment 2017 and all findings had been tabulated and analysed. Based on the intial ergonomic assessment, total score achived is 17.7 with main risk factors identified through the hot work acticties are including awkward postures, repetitive motions, static and sustained work postures, vibration, insufficient ventilation, exposure of noise and working in extreme temperature. Based on Advanced ERA conducted on selected 3 workers, the study shows Muscle Fatigue Assessment (MFA) with average score for risk level shown ‘High’ and ‘Very High’ categories, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) with average total score more than 10 which categorized as ‘High Risk’ and Quick Exposure Check (QEC) which shown the workers have very high risk for back and shoulder or arm parts with score level are between 29 to 40 for back static and 41 to 56 for shoulder and arm parts. Based on results of the assessment, company XXX recommended had been to conduct further investigation for improvements to determine effective control measure for the work process in order to reduce that risk level towards the hot work workers.

ERGONOMIC ENGINEERING INTERVENTION OF BATIK STAMPING WORK TO REDUCE LIFTING LOAD

One of the common health problems for small and medium enterprise such as batik production is work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD). This health problem may contribute to long-term medical effect on the production workers. For batik stamping workers, the load of the copper block that need to be used repetitively can reach up to 2kg. This study aims to reduce WMSD effect by reducing the lifting load of the cooper block handled by the batik stamping worker. The worker’s working load is observed before the intervention process by using one of the ergonomic risk assessment tools, Rapid Upper Limb Asssessment (RULA). The ergonomic intervention designed in this study is from the engineering approach by modifying tools. It is found out that the intervention done were able to eliminate the lifting load handled by the worker to avoid discomfort or further health complication. This outcome are hoped to be able to improve workers’ health and increase batik stamping work productivity that eventually increased company’s revenue.

A new approach for ergonomic risk assessment integrating KEMIRA, best–worst and MCDM methods

In this study, a new three-phase ergonomic risk assessment approach was proposed for manual lifting tasks to determine which worker has the highest ergonomic risk level considering two criteria sets as lifting-related criteria and human-related criteria. In the first phase, Modified Kemeny Median Indicator Ranks Accordance (KEMIRA-M) and a novel two-dimensional best–worst method (BWM) integration were proposed for weighting ergonomic risk criteria in two sets. In this way, weighting procedure of KEMIRA-M was advanced by the proposed two-dimensional BWM in a consistent manner and subjectivity in determining the best and the worst criteria in traditional BMW was prevented by using KEMIRA-M. Thus, the weaknesses of both methods have been developed. In the second phase, the rankings of workers were determined via utilizing multi-objective optimization on the basis of simple ratio analysis, multi-objective optimization by ratio analysis (MOORA) ratio, MOORA reference point and complex proportional assessment to see how worker rankings differ despite using the same advanced weighting approach based on KEMIRA-M and two-dimensional BWM integration. Finally, to aggregate these different ranking results, technique of precise order preference was applied. In this way, different viewpoints of each ranking approach can be reflected on a single worker’s priority. The applicability of the proposed ergonomic risk assessment approach was demonstrated with a real application in tube manufacturing.

Postural Ergonomic Risk Assessment (Pera) in The Workers of the Automobile Parts Assembly Line: A New Observational Method for the Cube Model

Postural Ergonomic Risk Assessment (Pera) in The Workers of the Automobile Parts Assembly Line: A New Observational Method for the Cube Model

Factors related to musculoskeletal disorders in quality control palm workers at palm purchasing establishments in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.

The palm quality selection process has risks of problems in ergonomics. The aim of this research is to study the factors related to musculoskeletal disorders in quality control palm workers at palm purchasing establishments in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 workers with musculoskeletal disorders, as assessed by the Bureau of Occupational and Environmental Disease, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Ergonomic risk assessment was performed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and the data studied with the help of descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. The sample included 96% of males with an average age of 34.2 years (SD=11.09). The participants used pickup trucks to transport palm oil from the plantation. 72% of the workers had worked at the plantation for 4.9±4.9 years; 54% did not work overtime. The average amount of palm oil collection for palm quality control was 23.5±11.3 tons/day. Quality control palm workers using sidecars (28%) were found to be moderately at risk, and those using trucks (72%) were at a high level of risk. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders after one year at work was 78%. The amount of palm oil controlled per day, working overtime, car type used for transport, and ergonomics risk level, were significantly related to musculoskeletal disorders in quality control palm workers (p-value <0.05). The results indicate a need for the top management and health-related personnel to promote occupational health and safety measures for quality control palm workers.

Construction Activity Recognition and Ergonomic Risk Assessment Using a Wearable Insole Pressure System

AbstractOverexertion-related construction activities are identified as a leading cause of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among construction workers. However, few studies have focuse...

Musculoskeletal disorders within the carpentry trade: analysis of timber flooring subtasks

PurposeCarpenters are constantly vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders. Their work consists of subtasks that promote nonfatal injuries and pains that affect different body segments. The purpose of this study is to examine ergonomic exposures of carpentry subtasks involved in floor framing, how they lead to musculoskeletal injuries, and how preventive and protective interventions around them can be effective.Design/methodology/approachUsing wearable sensors, this study characterizes ergonomic exposures of carpenters by measuring and analyzing body movement data relating to major subtasks in carpentry flooring work. The exposures are assessed using Postural Ergonomic Risk Assessment classification, which is based on tasks involving repetitive subtasks and nonstatic postures.FindingsThe findings of this paper suggest severe risk impositions on the trunk, shoulder and elbow as a result of the measuring and marking and cutting out vent locations, as well as in placing and nailing boards into place.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the type and size of wearable sensor used, only results of risk exposures of four body-parts are presented.Practical implicationsThis study draws insights on how to benchmark trade-specific measurement of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Safety efforts can be targeted toward these risk areas and subtasks. Specifically, results from these will assist designers and innovators in designing effective and adaptable protective interventions and safety trainings.Originality/valueExtant studies have failed to provide adequate evidence regarding the relationships between subtasks and musculoskeletal disorders; they have only mimicked construction tasks through laboratory experimental scenarios. This study adds value to the existing literature, in particular by providing insights into hazards associated with floor carpentry subtasks.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment on Welding Practical Work on Learning Process at Malaysia Polytechnic Diploma of Engineering Programme

Practical work is part of the compulsory process of learning for any engineering student in polytechnic Malaysia. This study focuses on the ergonomic risk assessment during the practical work for Malaysian Polytechnic for mechanical diploma programme. Consequently, it is also implemented to identify potential harm caused by ergonomic risk factors. This study uses quantitative method through the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMQ) framework and is followed by a Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The instruments used are measuring tape, smartphones for recording audio and video as well as digital images, assessment checklists (CMQ and REBA), personal protective equipment, goniometers and weights scale. Based on the study, all elements of value provide high level risk score results and require ergonomic risk control. Therefore, it is recommended to review the body’s posture and improve the techniques during the weld practical work process to reduce ergonomic risk factors.

An Objective Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Surgeons in Real Time While Performing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

There are increased reports of high prevalence of work related musculoskeletal symptoms in surgeons performing otolaryngology procedures. However, real time ergonomic risk assessment in the OR is difficult due to issues related to sterility, cooperation and acceptance from surgeons. Although such analyses can provide valid risk estimate and guide corrective actions, they are scarce. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the postural ergonomic risk on RULA in otolaryngologists while performing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in OR, in real time. A cross sectional, observational multi-centric study was conducted in tertiary referral hospitals. Spinal, shoulder and elbow movements of 10 surgeons performing FESS were measured intraoperatively using orientation sensor-based, motion-analysis system (Noraxon myomotion). Postural ergonomic risk on RULA was computed using the motion analysis data. RULA is a method of quantifying the physical postural risk of the trunk and upper limb based on the postures adopted by an individual during work. 10 surgeons (9 males and 1 female) with the mean (± SD) age of 38 ± 7.5years participated in the study. The motion analysis data results indicate that the surgeons often adopt awkward spinal and upper extremity postures during the surgery. All the surgeons scored higher than the acceptable RULA score (1 or 2) with the mean RULA scores being in the range of 6-7. The physical ergonomic risk in surgeons performing FESS is high (> 6 on RULA). There is a need for urgent ergonomic attention to the working environment of FESS surgeon.

Ergonomic Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders' Risk Factors in Construction Workers Using Cornell Questionnaire and WERA Method

Introduction: With regard to high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry workers, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their relevant risk factors in workers of a construction factory. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019. In this regard, 150 workers were selected from a construction factory located in Tehran City, Iran. The census sampling method was applied in the area under study. The data gathering tool were Cornell questionnaire and WERA ergonomic risk assessment method. The questionnaires were completed while the workers' postures were assessed in their work stations. Data were analyzed applying suitable descriptive and analytical tests in SPSS software version 22. Results: The analysis of questionnaires showed that the workers' lower back had the highest average score of pain. The wrist, knee, and shoulder had the highest pain average scores, respectively. The result of ergonomic assessment by WERA method indicated that the lower back had the highest risk score. Similarly, WERA assessment score was significantly related to the type of job (p-value &lt; 0.001). Among the understudy occupations, masonry, concrete testing, and welding had the highest risk scores, respectively. Conclusion: The most ergonomic risk factors in activities of the extensive occupational groups are associated with multiple occupational tasks that endanger workers for serious risk factors in the lumbar and knee areas. Therefore, implementation of ergonomic interventions is necessary for improving the working conditions of construction occupations.

Ergonomic risk assessment of maintenance job in a gas power station

SAŽETAK: Studija procjenjuje čimbenike ergonomskih rizika na poslovima održavanja plinske elektrane kapaciteta 8.4 MW (1.4 MW x 6 jedinica) u kojoj na održavanju radi 12 osoba. Čimbenici ergonomskih rizika mogu se podijeliti na one povezane sa zadatkom, te osobne i okolišne. Potencijalna ozbiljnost svih utvrđenih čimbenika rizika i vjerojatnost da se ostvare prikazana je na ljestvici 1-5. Indeks rizika izračunat je kao umnožak vjerojatnosti pojave rizika i potencijalne ozbiljnosti svih parametara rizika. Relativne težine parametara čimbenika rizika utvrđene su dijeljenjem svakog indeksa kumulativnog rizika s ukupnim indeksom kumulativnog rizika. Relativne težine čimbenika ergonomskih rizika utvrđene su dijeljenjem indeksa kumulativnih rizika svakog čimbenika s ukupnim indeksima kumulativnog rizika. Ukupan indeks rizika za svaki čimbenik izračunat je zbrajanjem umnoška relativnih težina i indeksa rizika parametara koji čine taj čimbenik. Indeks opasnosti na radu (WSI) utvrđen je zbrajanjem umnoška relativnih težina i indeksa rizika čimbenika ergonomskih čimbenika. Vrijednosti rizika kategorizirane su u tri razreda: nizak, srednji i visok rizik. Koristeći osobne i okolišne čimbenike, prosječne vrijednosti rizika iznosile su 3.03 ± 0.42 i 3.00 ± 0.00 iz čega proizlazi da je posao niskog rizika. Vrijednost indeksa opasnosti na radu (WSI) iznosila je 5.03 ± 1.62 što je pokazatelj da posao održavanja na način kako se obavlja u promatranoj elektrani predstavlja nizak rizik.

The comparison of ergonomic risk assessment results using job strain index and OCRA methods

Musculoskeletal Disorder (MDSs) is a real problem in terms of ergonomics. MSD is a muscle/pain disorder which is frequently undergone by operators after doing work, e.g. in the press line of a printing company. Some activities in press line are lifting books, reaching out the engine levers, and turning the engine levers. Many MSDs are undergone by operators, such as aches in the upper arms, hands, feet, and back. This is caused by excessive burdens and wrong posture when doing work. This study is aimed to compare the assessment results of operators’ body posture by using OCRA and JSI methods. OCRA (Occupational Repetitive Action) Index is a method used to evaluate and analyze a job. Meanwhile, Job Strain Index (JSI) is a method used to estimate the risk of pain in the upper body. Evaluation is carried out on repetitive activities. Based on the calculation results, the OCRA values obtained are 3.35 for the right hand and 1.13 for the left hand. Meanwhile, JSI value for the right hand is 9 and the left hand is 4.5. The results of the assessment indicate that these activities are categorized as high-risk so and need to be corrected. The author’s recommendation is by adding the number of operators on the press line.

The Development of Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method using Infrared Thermal Imaging

The Development of Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method using Infrared Thermal Imaging

Ergonomic risk factors and risk exposure level of nursing tasks: association with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in nurses

Objectives To identify the risk exposure level of nursing tasks and explore the association with ergonomic factors such as biomechanical, organisational, psychosocial, and environmental job factors. Also, the association among the risk exposure level of nursing tasks among nurses with the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), activity limitation, and physician visits for the past 12 months were analysed. Methods In phase one, 68 registered nurses (median age: 33.5 years, females: 89.70%, males: 10.20%) completed the standardised Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) and ErgoEnf questionnaire on ergonomic risk factors. In phase two, 25 participants were observed at inpatient care using the workplace ergonomic risk assessment tool (WERA) to profile the risk exposure levels during nursing tasks. Results In the patient repositioning task, 24% of the nurses scored low, 76% scored medium-risk exposure level, and none of the nurses obtained a high-risk exposure level. Biomechanical, environmental, and organisational factors were significantly associated with risk exposure levels (p < .05), while no association was found with the psychosocial factors. Conclusions This study showed a significant association between nursing task-specific risk-exposure scores, ergonomic risk factors and the prevalence of WMDs. The risk exposure scores were significantly associated with the reported WMSDs of the lower back, neck, and hip/thigh regions; these prevented normal activities at least once in the last 12 months. Possible interventions are discussed in the realms of human factors framework.

CERA, An Integrated Tool for Ergonomic Risk Assessment

Despite decades of efforts the rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) is still very high. In case of WMSD the solution should be prevention that requires both safe machinery/equipment design and risk management at the workplace. To identify WMSD risk factors a wide range of ergonomic methods are available internationally, starting with simple check lists for hazard identification through paper and pencil based or spread sheet implemented software for screening or for risk assessment, ending with the now maturing computer technology with motion capture based imagining techniques. Although various collections exist that contain hundreds of ergonomic risk assessment tools very few of these are generally accepted and widely applied. The difficulty in particular is that a ’universal tool’ cannot be chosen because each method is valid for different situations some are for special activities others for distinct body parts, therefore selecting the appropriate method is an additional issue. At University of Obuda R&D project aims the development of a complex Ergonomics Risk Assessment methodology based on the EN 1005 standard series that allows the composite ergonomic risk assessment of workplaces regarding position, force, manual handling and repetitive motion. The newly invented methodology called CERA is for occupational safety and health practitioners with basic knowledge to apply it several versions according to different application conditions. For basic evaluation a paper and pencil method and for more detailed analysis a spread sheet is provided in which, all assessments of the EN 1005 standard series are included.

Ergonomic diagnosis of postural changes and ergonomic risk assessment of a left-handed user in the operation of a drill press, using the REBA, RULA and OCRA Checklist methods

This investigation is a study aimed at assessing posture and evaluating the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in upper limbs of mechanical engineering students at the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana in Quito, Ecuador. Through a descriptive study of ten students with an average age of 19.8 ±1.23 years and average drill-use experience of 1.9 ±1.3 months, ergonomic risk was assessed using REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment), RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment), and OCRA (Occupational Repetitive Action) Checklist methods. Previously, Harris and Edinburgh tests were used to evaluate laterality, which resulted in a 100% consistently left-handed population (p&lt;0.05). Upper limb joint angles were measured using photometry and the free software Ruler, establishing a database for ergonomic risk assessment. Next, Pearson’s correlation was used to compare the operator’s laterality with each ergonomic evaluation method. Additionally, other variables analyzed were the operators’ age and their experience using the drill press, which do not contribute to the risk of MSI. In conclusion, a high risk of MSI exists for left-handed users when they operate a drill press, and this risk increases with their degree of laterality.

Prevention of occupational traumas by developing an ergonomic design and modifying farmers' postures in walnut gardens of Tuyserkan, Iran

Background and Objectives: Occupational traumas are known as work-related disorders, associating with some sorts of factors such as repetitive tasks, body postures, workstations, and hand tools. These traumas cause various problems for both workers and employers. Due to occupational hygiene considerations, problems such as cumulative trauma disorders, occupational trauma, low back pain (LBP), and work-related musculoskeletal disorders should be controlled. In this regard, ergonomic interventions can have efficient outcomes toward controlling occupational traumas. In this study, the focus was on working at some walnut gardens in the city of Tuyserkan in Iran, to reach an ergonomic analysis base, in which hand tools were assessed. The main objective was to develop a new ergonomic design for workers using hand tools. Subjects and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 19 workers participated and filled out the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Their body postures during harvesting walnuts were evaluated by the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System method. Hand tool analysis was also performed by ergonomic risk assessments. Results: The results showed that 15% of the farmers experienced some sorts of trauma during the harvest while using traditional hand tools. The results also emphasized that 61.5% of the workers' body postures should be modified. In addition, according to the NMQ, the most common problems among workers were wrist disorders, LBP, and knees' and shoulders' disorders. Conclusions: Considering experimental data, a new device was developed in which the weight, adjustability, and form of hand tools were modified under ergonomic considerations. The benefits of the new design were confirmed by SOLIDWORKS software. Since this new device helps farmers to decrease extra force exertion in awkward postures, it is expected to improve farmers' condition while using it.

Frequency of work related musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risk assessments among tailors.

To determine the frequency of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and to assess postural ergonomic risk among tailors. The cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to February 2018 in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan and comprised tailors of both genders aged 25-60 years, working for more than 6 months and having small and medium enterprises. To calculate ergonomic risk of work posture, Quick Exposure Check was used and work-related musculoskeletal disorders were determined through body mapping chart. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 400 tailors, 382(95.5%) were males. The overall mean age of the sample was 36.9±10.96 years. The mean Quick Exposure Check score was 46.11±14.83. Acceptable work posture was found in 373(93.25%) subjects. The most common work-related acute musculoskeletal symptoms were found in the upper back 320(80%). Most tailors had acceptable work posture but work-related pain in upper back was common.

Smart Vest for Real-Time Postural Biofeedback and Ergonomic Risk Assessment

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a serious worldwide health concern, that can result in the worker’s permanent disability and an economic burden of up to 2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This paper presents the design and development of an innovative smart garment for real-time ergonomic risk assessment. It aims to empower operators with posture awareness and provide objective data to ergonomists. The system is based on inertial sensors and implements a biofeedback strategy that uses haptic stimulus to warn the user about hazard postures, enabling more ergonomic postures. To allow an easy data analysis, a graphical interface was developed in MATLAB. This framework was validated with 5 subjects, in a simulated scenario with 5 tasks that included a collaborative robot arm. The results showed that providing real-time biofeedback to the subject improves posture awareness, and has a significant impact on reducing the ergonomic risk, with reductions of up to 39.8% of the time spent in hazard postures. The wearable technology and developed methodologies are a promising tool to complement the ergonomist diagnoses of hazard tasks and workspaces and to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

AUTOMATIC ERGONOMIC POSTURAL RISK MONITORING ON THE FACTORY SHOPFLOOR ‒THE ERGOSENTINEL TOOL

The enabling technologies of the Industry 4.0 program can support the smart factory of the future to face the challenges related to their sustainable growth. In particular, given the progressive ageing of the population, it is mandatory to develop systems able to preserve operators’ wellbeing and to prevent the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. By exploiting a recently introduced low-cost sensor we developed and validated a reliable prototype for automatic assessment of ergonomic postural risk in the factory shopfloor. Encouraged by the results of the validation process, we enhanced the prototype functionalities. The tool will serve both as a monitoring system for the evaluation of postural risk and a training system for increasing operators’ awareness. In this paper, we describe the design of the prototype and the enhanced functionalities of the final version, ‒ the ErgoSentinel.