Ergonomic Risk Level Research Articles

Ergonomic Risk Level of Work Posture in Leather Shoes Industry

Posture while working will influence work results and have a health impact on workers. Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) is a method for analyzing work posture on the job using the upper part of the body. This research examines the risk level of work postures in the leather shoe industry. This research was conducted in the leather shoe industry located in Semarang. This research uses the RULA method to assess the risk level of work postures. Body area measured by RULA was divided into two groups, namely group A (arms, forearms, hands) and group B (neck, body). The RULA score is obtained based on observing the worker's body posture, including neck, arms, back, legs, and load. The observed scores are then converted into final RULA scores. It was found that the body posture of workers in the leather industry was at a score of 6 and 7. This score has implications for the need for further research regarding the body posture of the following workers. Work posture correction must be done immediately to prevent further health impacts.

ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT OF GADUNG PEELERS USING NORDIC BODY MAP (NBM) AND OVAKO WORK POSTURE ANALYSIS (OWAS) METHODS

Background: The activity of peeling gadung as a raw material for making gadung chips is done manually and repeatedly with an unnatural working posture and can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Preventive measures need to be taken by carrying out ergonomic risk assessments. Objectives: The research aimed to analyze the level of ergonomic risk in MSDs using the Nordic Body Map (NBM) and Ovako Work Posture Analysis (OWAS) methods. Methods: The research method used was an analytical method with a cross-sectional research design. This research was conducted in the home industry gadung chips, Kediri in August 2024. The sampling technique was purposive sampling with a total sample of 10 gadung peeler workers. The variables in this study were the severity of muscle complaints and work posture (back, arm, leg, and load movements) as the risk level for MSDs. The type of data collection technique used was a field study by filling out the NBM questionnaire to determine the severity of MSDs. Working posture (back, arm, leg, and load movements) was also observed using the OWAS method by filling in a form. The results of the analysis will provide results as a reference for taking appropriate action to overcome ergonomic risks. Results: Based on data analysis using the NBM showed the percentage of MSDs, that are right shoulder, right wrist, and right hand had the highest proportion of scores for complaints of pain that always occurred (100%). The left wrist and shoulder area (96%), stiffness in the lower neck (92%), pain in the back (91%), pain in the waist (90%), and also pain in the right and left knee areas for lower limbs. The results of the ergonomic risk level analysis using the OWAS method showed that the working posture is included in the moderate risk category (score 2). Conclusion: Corrective action is needed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders such as improving work posture, doing stretching exercises before and after work and designing ergonomic work chairs.

Designing an adjustable ergonomic laptop desk and its evaluating by RULA and NERPA methods.

Using a computer may lead to pain in wrists, neck, and back. In addition, adopting various body postures like sitting cross-legged, semi-fowler's position, and putting the laptop on the leg may lead to the development of persistent and irreversible discomfort. The purpose of this research is to design and build an adjustable ergonomic laptop desk based on the anthropometric characteristics of students in the age range of 20 to 30 years and to evaluate its efficiency using RULA and NERPA methods. This cross-sectional study conducted on 108 students, in which an adjustable and portable ergonomic desk designed and built based on 10 anthropometric dimensions of students and the length and width of 10 different laptop models. Two assessment methods, RULA and NERPA, were used. Wilcoxon statistic test and SPSS version 26 software used for data analysis. The dimensions of the desk were calculated in three positions, and the desk was made with the ability to adjust height, width and tilt, each with two degrees of freedom. The statistical analysis comparing score of RULA and NERPA in two situations without using a desk and using an ergonomic laptop desk had a significant difference (P-value < 0.001). Comparison of RULA and NERPA scores showed that NERPA evaluated the low ergonomic risk level better than RULA method. Due to the ability to adjust the designed desk, the changes in RULA and NERPA score in all three modes, it indicates the effectiveness of the table in improving the body posture of users when using a laptop.

Risk Factors for Developing Occupational Back Pain in Electronics Industry Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Back pain is an occupation-related problem among workforces. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of back pain and the risk factors of occupational back pain among workers in the electronics industry. In total, 354 electronics workers in Thailand participated in the study. Data were collected using the Musculoskeletal Disorders Severity and Frequency Questionnaire, the Job Content Questionnaire, and ergonomics risk assessment via the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Risk factors of back pain were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis, providing adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The study found that most workers were operators (92.09%) and had repetitive work (83.62%). A high ergonomics risk was observed in workers who stood during work (68.49%) and operated machines (71.70%). The 1-month prevalence of developing back pain was 20.62% and the significant factors correlated with back pain were low levels of job control and decision-making (ORadj = 2.26; 95% CI [1.26 ,4.05]), lack of exercise (ORadj = 8.30; 95% CI [1.35, 24.28]), repetitive work (ORadj = 2.94; 95% CI [1.19, 7.29]), and high ergonomic risk level (ORadj = 2.81; 95% CI [1.16, 5.07]). These findings suggest that measures should be implemented by empowering electronics workers to make decisions and control their jobs, as well as promoting health through muscle-stretching exercise, to support back pain prevention.

Mismatch between fixed classroom furniture and anthropometric measurements among university students: Relationships to ergonomic risk.

Appropriate arrangement of classroom ergonomics is necessary for maintaining health and improving academic performance, learning, and motivation. We aimed to determine the anthropometric measurements and ergonomic risk levels of students during a handwriting activity on a fixed desk and chair and to analyze the mismatch and relationships between these factors. This study included 149 university students (female:73, male:76). Anthropometric measurements (lower and upper extremity length, shoulder height, elbow-rest height, hip-popliteal length, popliteal height, knee height, the distance between tragus and wall, and between acromion and wall) were done with a tape measure. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool was conducted to determine the ergonomic risk level while students wrote a standard text on a fixed desk and chair as if they were taking notes in the classroom. The mismatch was evaluated between backrest height and sitting shoulder height, seat height, and popliteal height. The Pearson Chi-Square and the Spearman Correlation test were used for statistical analysis. The median values of the participants' age, height, weight, and BMI were 22 years, 1.70 m, 68 kg, and 23.18 kg/cm2, respectively. Most students had inadequate ergonomic posture while writing on fixed furniture at the university (Median RULA grand score: 4). More mismatches for seat height (54.4%) were found in high ergonomic risk levels but mismatches for backrest height did not follow a similar result. More investigation should be conducted with prospective studies including interventions like adjustable furniture.

Musculoskeletal symptom survey and ergonomic assessments associated with maintenance tasks in the Indonesian railway industry

Introduction: Suboptimal work design of maintenance tasks in railway industries often leads to adverse health effects for workers. This study aimed to determine the ergonomic risk levels and assess the extent of musculoskeletal symptoms associated with train maintenance tasks in the Indonesian railway industry. Methods: The study involved 34 workers responsible for the daily handling of locomotive components within a railway maintenance workshop in Indonesia. A musculoskeletal symptom survey was conducted using the Indonesian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to determine the prevalence and severity of such adverse health effects. Ergonomics assessments were conducted using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) to evaluate the risk level and contributing risk factors associated with the investigated maintained tasks. Results: Participants predominantly experienced musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower back (100%), followed by shoulders (91%), and knees (88%), while the highest severity was also observed in these regions. The ergonomics assessments revealed that over 50% of the maintenance tasks were categorized as either high or very high risk, with higher REBA section scores noted in the neck, leg, and trunk compared to those of the lower arm, wrist, and upper arm. Conclusion: Workers performing train maintenance tasks experience a high prevalence and moderate severity of musculoskeletal symptoms. Additionally, most maintenance tasks performed were considered risky. Prompt interventions are necessary to address these findings.

An integrated ergonomic risk assessment framework based on fuzzy logic and IVSF-AHP for optimising ergonomic risks in a mixed-model assembly line

This study proposes a systematic approach to address ergonomic factors, including physical, environmental and psychosocial aspects, in solving assembly line balancing problems. A three-stage framework is developed, starting with determining weights for ergonomic risk assessment methods using the interval-valued spherical fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. In the second stage, a fuzzy logic model for integrated ergonomic risk assessment is constructed based on these weights, and the integrated ergonomic risk score is determined. In the third stage, a mathematical model is formulated to minimise the cycle time while balancing the ergonomic risk level. A case study conducted in a wire harness factory validated the effectiveness of the proposed approach, showing a 10–11% improvement in line efficiency and a 12–25% enhancement in ergonomic risk balancing performance. These findings underscore the potential benefits of implementing this approach, which can significantly improve occupational safety and overall performance.

ERGONOMIC RISK LEVEL OF FITTING PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT WORKERS IN THE PLASTIC PIPE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Department and determines the level of risk. The analysis method uses analytical methods, including repetitive tasks, push-pulling assessment, and a manual handling assessment chart involving 95 respondents. The results found that 30 activities with ergonomic hazards and one action in the crusher process section had an unacceptable level of ergonomic risk and high levels of risk were found on the shoulders, lower and upper back, and wrists. Companies need to investigate work processes to improve and control ergonomic hazards.

An ergonomic evaluation using a deep learning approach for assessing postural risks in a virtual reality-based smart manufacturing context

This study proposes an integrated ergonomic evaluation designed to identify unsafe postures, whereby postural risks during industrial work are assessed in the context of virtual reality-based smart manufacturing. Unsafe postures were recognised by identifying the displacements of the centre of mass (COM) of body keypoints using a computer vision-based deep learning (DL) convolutional neural network approach. The risk levels for the identified unsafe postures were calculated using ergonomic risk assessment tools rapid upper limb assessment and rapid whole-body assessment. An analysis of variance was conducted to determine significant differences between the vertical and horizontal directions of postural movements associated with the most unsafe postures. The findings assess the ergonomic risk levels and identify the most unsafe postures during industrial work in smart manufacturing using DL method. The identified postural risks can help industry managers and researchers acquire a better understanding of unsafe postures.

Triaxial Load Cell for Ergonomic Risk Assessment: A Study Case of Applied Force of Thumb

To assess the ergonomic risk level in work systems involving tasks performed with hands or fingers, it is necessary to know the exerted triaxial forces. To address this need, a prototype of a triaxial load cell based on principles of linear elasticity theory and mechanical problems of torsion, bending and axial load is presented. This work includes an analytical strain model for each instrumented point and its solution regarding the applied force to a triaxial load cell. The proposed load cell was calibrated and validated by performing different static experimental tests. As a case study, the applied force in three directions while the thumb activates a cigarette lighter was measured. Triaxial forces and resultant forces were obtained and compared with the parameter of 10 N established by the ergonomic standards as reference values for pressing down with the thumb, finding that the applied forces in eight tests were 23.73 N, 43.51 N, 12.69 N, 14.50 N 20.35 N, 21.67 N, 39.74 N and 46.02 N, exceeding the reference values and establishing a direct relationship with Quervain syndrome. In conclusion, the developed load cell is a valid and reliable alternative to measure many forces that cannot be obtained with commercial devices, allowing the level of ergonomic risk to be determined with great precision.

Investigating the Risk of Patient Manual Handling Using the Movement and Assistance of Hospital Patients Method among Hospital Nurses in Botswana.

Evidence on the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) among nurses is widespread in the literature, with several risk factors being reported. These include manual handling of patients, repetitive bending and twisting movements, and long working hours. It is reported that LBP has negative health outcomes and causes poor work performance among healthcare workers (HCWs). The magnitude of ergonomic risks associated with these healthcare activities has not been adequately investigated in Botswana. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the ergonomic risk levels associated with the manual handling of patients and its association with the prevalence of LBP among nurses in Botswana. This was an observational cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted in a Botswana public tertiary hospital from March to April 2023. The Movement and Assistance of Hospital Patients (MAPO) tool was used to collect data on ergonomic risk levels. Data on the demographic characteristics of participants were collected using a tool adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated to determine the association between ergonomic risk levels and the prevalence of LBP. A total of 256 nurses participated and completed the study. The self-reported prevalence of LBP in this study was 76.6%. The risk of acquiring LBP was high (90.5%) based on the MAPO index. Although the frequencies of self-reported LBP were high among nurses, these did not show any significant association with the MAPO index data. This could be partly due to the small sample size. There was a high prevalence of LBP in this study, which was corroborated by the MAPO index data. This has demonstrated the value of the MAPO index in forecasting the risk of patient manual handling. The findings might help Botswana formulate policies intended to address ergonomic preventive measures, directed towards reducing the MAPO index score by addressing the single risk determinants.

Ergonomic risks and problems of the musculoskeletal system for physiotherapists: comparison of employees in the fields of pediatric and adult care

ABSTRACT Objectives. The aim of this study is to compare the ergonomic risk levels, musculoskeletal complaints and quality of life of physiotherapists (PTs) according to their field of work. Methods. A total of 107 volunteer PTs participated in the study, whose information was recorded. Ergonomic risk levels were determined using rapid entire body assessment (REBA). Complaints about the musculoskeletal system of PTs were evaluated with the Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ) and quality of life was evaluated by the Nottingham health profile. Results. PTs who worked with pediatric patients (Grouppediatric; n = 47) were younger (p<0.001). PTs who worked with adult patients (Groupadult; n = 60) had a higher daily number of patients (p<0.001). The REBA score did not make a difference between the groups (p = 0.379). The difference was found in the upper back region of the CMDQ (p<0.05). There was no difference between groups for quality of life (p>0.05). Conclusions. Grouppediatric may be working in ergonomically demanding positions, although there is no statistical difference. The injury sites of the musculoskeletal system can differ. However, the reflection of musculoskeletal system problems on quality of life does not show any difference between the groups of PTs.

Biomechanical Effects of Using a Passive Exoskeleton for the Upper Limb in Industrial Manufacturing Activities: A Pilot Study.

This study investigates the biomechanical impact of a passive Arm-Support Exoskeleton (ASE) on workers in wool textile processing. Eight workers, equipped with surface electrodes for electromyography (EMG) recording, performed three industrial tasks, with and without the exoskeleton. All tasks were performed in an upright stance involving repetitive upper limbs actions and overhead work, each presenting different physical demands in terms of cycle duration, load handling and percentage of cycle time with shoulder flexion over 80°. The use of ASE consistently lowered muscle activity in the anterior and medial deltoid compared to the free condition (reduction in signal Root Mean Square (RMS) -21.6% and -13.6%, respectively), while no difference was found for the Erector Spinae Longissimus (ESL) muscle. All workers reported complete satisfaction with the ASE effectiveness as rated on Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST), and 62% of the subjects rated the usability score as very high (>80 System Usability Scale (SUS)). The reduction in shoulder flexor muscle activity during the performance of industrial tasks is not correlated to the level of ergonomic risk involved. This preliminary study affirms the potential adoption of ASE as support for repetitive activities in wool textile processing, emphasizing its efficacy in reducing shoulder muscle activity. Positive worker acceptance and intention to use ASE supports its broader adoption as a preventive tool in the occupational sector.

ERGONOMIC RISK ANALYSIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDs) OPERATOR FINAL INSPECTION ON AUTMOTIVE INDUSTRY IN TANGERANG CITY

Ergonomics is very important to note so that work-related illnesses and accidents do not occur. Disturbances arising from ergonomics are Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), namely disorders of body structures such as muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, cartilage, bones, local blood circulation system. Ergonomics risks were identified using REBA and MSDs complaints using the Nordic Body Map questionnaire. Age, education, exercise habits, smoking habits, BMI, body posture and length of work are factors that can influence MSDs complaints. The aim of this research is to know the factors that influence MSDs complaints. Cross sectional study design with a sample of 231 using logistic regression analysis. The results showed that the ergonomic risk level was low 17,3%, medium 16,9% and high 65,8%. The prevalence of MSDs complaints is 65,8% felt by operators. Respondents aged &gt; 35 years (42,9%), SMA/SMK and below (91,8%), do not have exercise habits 95,2%, smoke every day (59,3%), BMI is overweight (72,7%), risky posture (83,1%) and normal working hours (72,7%). There is a relationship between ergonomic risk, body posture and MSDs complaints. In conclusion, the dominant factor influencing MSDs complaints is body posture with OR 0,127. The research suggestion is to make improvements through the OHS control hierarchy such as equipping lifting equipment, re-designing conveyors for transporting tires, modifying racks to be non-level, socializing working safely and working with poster zones, making work procedures safe.

Does an Ergonomic Dentist Stool Design Have a Positive Impact on Musculoskeletal Health During Intraoral Scans and Tooth Preparation?

To evaluate the effects of an ergonomic dentist stool design on muscle activity and fatigue in dentists. A total of 14 dentists were recruited, and electrodes were attached to the arm, neck, and shoulder muscles of these dentists according to the surface electromyography (EMG) for the noninvasive assessment of muscles protocol. After measuring the maximal voluntary contraction, eightchannel surface EMG was performed during simulations of two dental procedures (intraoral scanning and tooth preparation) while the dentists were using two types of dentist stools. Furthermore, muscle activity and fatigue were determined based on eight-channel surface EMG data, and ergonomic risk levels were evaluated according to the muscle activity. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to confirm that all data were normally distributed, and Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the two types of dentist stools (α = .05). There was a significant difference between the conventional and ergonomically designed dentist stools in terms of the activity of the trapezius descendens muscle (P < .05). Notably, the activity of the trapezius descendens muscle was less when the dentists used ergonomically designed dentist stools than when they used a conventional dentist stool. The activity of all muscles, except for the sternocleidomastoid, indicated moderate ergonomic risk. A dentist stool that enables dentists to maintain ergonomic posture should be used to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Analisa Postur Kerja di PT. Karunia Selaras Abadi dengan Metode CMDQ, OWAS dan REBA

PT. Karunia Selaras Abadi is a flexible packaging converting company. This company produces various types of plastic packaging for snacks, powdered drinks, soap, etc. This company produces more than 10,000 rolls and 1,000,000 bags every week so that the printing cylinders at PT. The Gift of Eternal Harmony reaches more than 3,000 items. The cylinder washing process is stressful for workers, thereby triggering fatigue which results in decreased productivity. Workers handle materials incorrectly using Manual Material Handling, causing workers to experience pain in their body parts. Workers' muscles receive continuous static loads over a long period of time, potentially resulting in musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, workers are asked to fill out the CMDQ questionnaire which aims to determine the level of ergonomic risk. Based on the CMDQ questionnaire, the body parts that workers often experience pain are the knee (left), shoulder (right) and lower back. Followed by an assessment of work posture using the OWAS method including the back, arms, legs and load, then completed with an assessment of work posture using the REBA method. There are 2 activities that have a high level of risk according to the OWAS method, washing cylinders using category 3 solvent, checking cylinders, category 3. For research on the REBA method, washing cylinders using solvents with a score of 8, checking cylinders with a score of 10, these results show that all activities require an improvement process.

Ergonomic Risk Analysis and Muscle Complaints of Office Workers in the Government Office, Surabaya City.

The work environment of office workers has hazards. One of the hazards is nonergonomic conditions. Nonergonomic conditions increase musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) risk and interfere with work productivity. This research describes ergonomic risk levels and muscle complaints in office workers while working with computers. The population of this research was 32 office workers in one of Surabaya city government offices. Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method to measure ergonomic risk and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) method to measure muscle complaints. Most workers have a high risk of experiencing MSDs. Workers experience muscle complaints in the neck, right shoulder, left shoulder, upper back, and lower back. Intervention is needed in work facilities and office ergonomics socialization to workers.

Ergonomic Risk Factors and Musculoskeletal System Problems in Women Producing Traditional Handicrafts

The study aimed to determine the ergonomic risk level, musculoskeletal system problems, and variables affecting ergonomic risk scores in women producing traditional handicrafts.&#x0D; Women who regularly produce traditional handicrafts were included in the study. The participants underwent a musculoskeletal system and RULA ergonomic risk assessment and were asked to answer pain questionnaire. &#x0D; A total of 197 women aged 46.15±0.71 years who have been producing traditional handicrafts for 25.78±0.84 years were included in the study. The posture evaluation of the participants revealed that most of them (61.9%) had an anterior head carriage. Participants most pronouncedly experienced musculoskeletal pain in their dominant forearm (36%), wrist (34%), and shoulder (30.5%). Participants also experienced the most severe pain in their heads (21.8%), dominant hand wrists (18.3%), and forearms (17.8%), respectively. The final RULA score of the participants was found to be 3.29±0.05. Deterioration in posture and worsening of musculoskeletal complaints affected the ergonomic risk scores of the participants (adjusted R2 value=0.436). &#x0D; Postural changes and musculoskeletal pain are common in women who produce traditional handicrafts. The participants had low to moderate ergonomic risks, and their postural changes and musculoskeletal pain were found to affect their final RULA scores.

Analisis Risiko Ergonomi Lingkungan Kerja Fisik pada Karyawan Kantor Menggunakan Metode Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA)

The use of computers is now inseparable from office work completion activities. The place where routine business or commerce takes place is the office. Workers are required to spend nearly all of their time operating the computer while seated in front of the monitor due to the computerized system for office work. Long-term computer use combined with improper posture can result in eye fatigue as well as muscle and back injuries and fatigue. Work stances like sitting, composing, and gazing at a PC screen will influence the state of being of representatives. Employee performance will suffer as a result of poor ergonomic work postures, which will put employees at risk and make them more likely to become exhausted. Based on the rapid office strain assessment method, this study was conducted to determine the ergonomic risk analysis of the physical work environment in the work posture of office employees. The Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) analysis method was used in this observational descriptive study. A method for measuring ergonomic risk in the workplace at an office is the ROSA method. Perceptions were made to straightforwardly see the communication between work stances and office offices as office support components in 15 representatives who turned into the examination test. The findings revealed that 10 employees had a level of ergonomic risk that was low, while the remaining 5 employees had a level of ergonomic risk that was moderate. The reason for high ergonomic gamble lies in ergonomic offices that are not as per ergonomic standards and absence of representative mindfulness in making a solid work culture. Modernizing office facilities, spreading awareness of office ergonomics, and requiring employees to stretch are all necessary improvements.&#x0D; Keywords: Office Ergonomics, Ergonomic Risk, Rapid Office Strain Assessmentt, Work Posture

The correlation between smartphone use and musculoskeletal symptom

Several issues arise from using smartphones while sitting and lying down, such as poor posture and physical discomfort. Therefore, this research aims to assess the ergonomic risk level of smartphone users and determine the correlation between self-reported musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and ergonomic risk level. Data were collected from 90 participants, aged 18 to 24, through video recording while seated and using a smartphone. MSDs were measured using the Modified Standardised Nordic Questionnaires (SNQ) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to evaluate ergonomic risks in the posture of smartphone users. Furthermore, the correlation between MSDs and the ergonomic risk levels was evaluated using Chi-Square and Fisher's exact tests. Most smartphone users had RULA scores between 6 and 7 for both the left and right sides, suggesting a need for immediate investigation and improvement. The results showed a strong correlation between the right sided RULA total score and MSDs in the neck and upper back. Other results showed there was a significant correlation between RULA B and RULA D scores with neck MSDs, as well as between the RULA score of the right upper arm and MSDs in the right shoulder, and between the RULA score of the neck and MSDs in the neck. The trunk RULA score also had a significant correlation with upper back MSDs. The research showed that smartphone users face significant ergonomic risks.