Work Postures Research Articles

Assessment of Ergonomic Risk Factors among Metal Sculpture Workers and Future Scope of AI Applications in Ergonomic Evaluation

Background: Handicraft workers usually carry out daily activities by adopting awkward postures. The most prevailing health issues among handicraft workers are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Objective: The current research aims to assess the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms and investigate risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders among metal sculpture artisans. Subsequently, the study highlighted the future scope of AI applications in ergonomic evaluation. Methods: 144 male metal sculpture workers participated in the study. A modified Nordic questionnaire was adopted to determine the musculoskeletal problems among metal sculpture workers. The probable risk elements for MSD symptoms were identified by applying binary logistic regression. Results: Most workers faced discomfort in various body parts, particularly the wrist, lower back, and shoulders. The outcome of the logistic regression model revealed that job-related factors have significantly contributed to the development of MSD symptoms. Conclusion: This study concedes that awkward working postures for prolonged periods highly affect the health of metal sculpture workers, and there is a need for ergonomic intervention to minimize the risks of musculoskeletal disorders. The study also emphasizes the future scope of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications that can be used in ergonomically assessing working postures.

Influence of Work Posture and Work Duration on the Incidence of Low Back Pain Among Batik Artisans: a Cross-sectional Study

Background: Batik artisans, particularly those involved in the "nyanting" process, are susceptible to lower back pain due to non-ergonomic working postures. These craftsmen sit for long durations as they meticulously apply wax to fabric. They utilize dingklik, which compels them to sit in a slightly hunched position. The repeated adoption of such postures can heighten the risk of lower back pain. This research aims to investigate the relationship between work posture, years of service, and the incidence of low back pain among "nyanting" batik artisans in Pulorejo Village Methods: This observational analytical research employed a cross-sectional approach with 42 "nyanting" batik artisans chosen through a total sampling technique. Conducted in Pulorejo Village in January 2024, the research assessed work posture using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) instrument, while the occurrence of low back pain was evaluated through history taking and physical examination. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 software. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between years of service and the occurrence of low back pain (LBP) (p=0.002; r=0.471). The risk of LBP increases with the length of service. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between working posture, as indicated by the REBA score, and the occurrence of LBP (p=0.010; r=0.395). A higher REBA score corresponds to a greater risk of LBP. Conclusions: the Years of service and the working posture were associated to the incidence of low back pain (LBP) among "nyanting" batik artisans in Pulorejo Village.

A Study of the Design of Lifting Trolley for the Suspending Agent Pouring Process in Chemical Industry

The raw material preparation process in the chemical industry is still done manually by pouring the suspending agent. Workers pour 20kg boxes with a frequency of 20-30 boxes every day. These activities have the potential to cause musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of this study is to provide an assessment and design a lifter as a conveyance that has the potential to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. This study used the Nordic questionnaire to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints, REBA to assess work posture, and QFD as an approach in designing the lifter. Based on the results of the questionnaire, the most complaints were felt in the upper body. And based on the assessment with the QEC method, the average total exposure received by workers is 64.63%. This is evidenced by the results of the assessment of 60 work postures during the suspending agent pouring process which obtained the highest REBA mode value with a score of 8 (high risk). Based on the QFD method, this lifting trolley produces 11 target specifications. After simulating the design of the lifting trolley, the REBA score decreased to 3 (low risk). This shows that the designed trolley has the potential to be applied to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in workers in the chemical industry.

Ergo-mechanical evaluation of the post-harvest drying process on a small scale based on participatory principles

Using direct sunlight for the post-harvest drying process is easy and cheap for most small farmers in rural areas in developing areas. This method has weaknesses, namely the emergence of musculoskeletal complaints, fatigue, and additional workload due to unnatural working postures and exposure to hot sun on workers. Apart from that, the drying temperature is not optimal because it relies only on environmental temperature and is weather-dependent. As an alternative, a dryer can be used by applying ergo-mechanical principles. Ergo-mechanical is used to overcome work problems in the drying process and produce an ergonomic mechanical structure, thereby creating health, safety, and work sustainability. Ergo-mechanical applications are based on workers' participation as users, known as participatory principles. Participatory, as part of applying ergonomics concepts, aims to create harmony between work tools and workers. Ergo-mechanical is applied in designing dryers through ergonomic and mechanical studies to produce dryers that suit their needs and avoid causing new problems for small farmers. To design dryers, ergonomic studies were carried out using anthropometric data of workers as users. Meanwhile, mechanical studies were carried out by applying the principle of heat transfer between two fluids, namely fuel and environmental air.

An Analysis of Employee Work Posture Assessment with The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) Approach in The Green Tea Production in A Green Tea Company

Candi Loka is a company engaged in the food sector, especially in producing green tea. Technology in the food sector is currently growing rapidly, resulting in a competitive competition. Candi Loka requires superior human resources to produce a high quality product. To realize this, it is necessary to carry out work with high accuracy and concentration by competent workers in their fields. The working conditions carried out by competent workers need to be considered because they greatly affect the work productivity. Uncomfortable working conditions will affect workers to have Musculoskeletal Disorders. The purpose of this study was to identify the musculoskeletal disorders developed by green tea production employees at Candi Loka and to identify the work posture of green tea production employees. Through this research, an assessment to find out the musculoskeletal disorders and to assess the work posture of workers in the green tea production section was carried out by using the QEC method. Pain complaints related to the musculoskeletal disorders that many workers in the green tea production department had were pain in the neck, shoulders, arms and back with a score of 40 and a proportion of 6.51%. The assessment of work posture by using the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method for green tea processing workers had 79.09% E value with an action level of 4 and was included in the category of very dangerous risks and further action was needed as soon as possible, while tea sorting workers Green had an E value of 84.09% with an action level of 4 and was included in the very dangerous risk category and needed further action as soon as possible.

Analysis of Work Posture and Risk of Musculoskeletal Complaints of Loading-Unloading Workers Using the REBA Method at PT. XYZ

PT XYZ is an airport manager in Indonesia engaged in the business of development, trade and services, and genuine estate. In the manual transportation of goods, extreme positions are still carried out. So that complaints of pain appear in several parts of the body, such as the neck, back, upper arms, and legs. The purpose of this study was to determine musculoskeletal complaints and analyze the work posture of workers. Risk assessment using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method because it can provide a more detailed evaluation of the level of risk of work posture as a whole. Based on the results of risk assessment research using the REBA method, workers in the Loading-Unloading Apron Area squatting position get a work posture risk value of 9, and the Apron Area standing position gets a work posture risk value of 8, where the value includes action level 4. For workers in the Loading-Unloading Makeup Area, the bending position gets a work posture risk value of 11, where the value consists of action level 4. Suggestions for improvement that can be proposed are making changes to the position of work postures and designing assistive devices.

Work Posture analysis Using the Rapid Entire Body Method Assessment (REBA) to Reduce the Risk of Injury in Line I Employees Upper Production PT. XYZ

This research aim to solve the problem of ergonomic standart in the process of making an upper shoes by implementing Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). This method is suitable to solve job body posture problem of the worker of PT XYZ based in Sidoarjo. PT XYZ is an international company and one of the expantion company from Denmark, they produce high quality shoes with more than 7000 workers. There are several plaint from the worker that they had a featigue in some part of te body. REBA assess the score from the top of the body to the bottom of the body and giving report are report of the posture risk. By using this method, the solution can be found with giving the right posture of the worker body while working their duty. The result of the research are confirmed to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) the posture need an improvement by changing the moves of trunk, upper arm, and wrist. Reba score are known in 6 and it’s increasing to 3 after the improvement.

Work Posture Analysis using the RULA and OWAS Methods in the Cement Packing Section at the Packing Plant Indarung Unit of PT. Semen Padang

PT Semen Padang is a cement manufacturer. According to preliminary observations, the cement packing process, which is done at the Packing Plant Indarung unit, is the last step of the cement production process. Due to the sideways and bowed body positions, cement bagging is performed manually with a less ergonomic working position. This is performed continuously, causing workers complaints of musculoskeletal disorders. The results of distributing the Nordic Body Map questionnaire to employees indicate that many operators experience pain due to their work positions. Based on these findings, the RULA method was used to analyze work posture, yielding a group A posture score of 7, a group B posture score of 4, and a final RULA assessment score of 7. The OWAS method assessment, meanwhile, earned a score code of 2141 and was categorized as a level 3 risk. The results of the risk assessment using the RULA method yield a score of 7, indicating that the operator's work attitude needs to change immediately, whereas the results of the assessment using the OWAS method yield a score of 3, indicating that work posture has a very significant impact on tension and needs to be corrected as soon as possible. On the basis of the results of these assessments, a recommendation was made to design a trolley work facility that can be utilized to reduce the risk of MSDs for cement packaging operators

Assessment of ergonomic risk of work related musculoskeletal disorders among dentist in Kolhapur region.

Work-related disability is caused commonly due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in dentistry. Prolonged static awkward and repetitive postures cause MSD in dentists. The study was executed to confirm the development of MSD in various body regions as they have to work in a small oral cavity to perform crucial dental procedures with precision and concentration. To assess the occurrence of the MSD in several body regions of dentists and to carry out postural study thereby helping them improve posture. Dentists were assessed for their current working postures with various MSD symptoms and its effects. The questionnaire was devised to get musculoskeletal health data from dentists. The postural load was investigated using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Various risk factors contributing to MSD symptoms were identified after data were statistically analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. According to the current study neck, shoulder, lower back, upper back, wrist hand, elbow, hip, thigh, knee, and ankle were the most affected anatomical regions. Average RULA score for the current study was found to be 6.75 which indicated a need of change of posture while performing dental procedures. There is statistical correlation between gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), uncomfortable positions, stretching, use of ergonomic saddle chair, hand dominance and MSD. There is no statistical correlation between years of experience and MSD. Current workstation (Dental Chair) requires immediate improvements as evident from the postural load analysis, thus immediate implementation of intervention program is required.

Perancangan Kursi Kerja yang Ergonomi untuk Pekerja di UKM Wintolo

UKM Wintolo is a small and medium business that produces molds using liquid aluminum as the base material. UKM Wintolo has 3 workers with different age ranges. When initial observations were made, it was seen that the position and posture of workers when working were not neutral and not ergonomic, so community service activities were carried out at UKM Wintolo with the theme of improving processes and work environments in accordance with ergonomics rules at UKM Wintolo. This activity was carried out for 2 days, namely the first day was carried out by providing socialization material according to the theme of the activity, and taking measurements using the anthropometric method in making work facilities. The work facilities that have been refurbished include work chairs that are used for the mold preparation process and the process of taking mold results. On the second day, the products that had been made for these two activities were handed over. Community service activities are carried out to avoid musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs) complaints and this will subsequently have an impact on increasing worker productivity. Through this activity, it can be seen that there is a change in the position and posture of workers while working.

Relationship between work posture and core muscle endurance with lower back disability among farmers: a cross-sectional study

Background: Farmers rely on physical performance for their livelihood, and non-ergonomic working postures can lead to lower back pain, reducing core muscle endurance and resulting in lower back disability. This study examines the relationship between work posture and core muscle endurance with lower back disability among farmers. Methods: This research used an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional study. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling. The total sample obtained in this study was 106 participants. Data collection included posture assessment using the rapid entire body assessment (REBA), measurement of core muscle endurance using the prone bridge test, and measurement of lower back disability using the modified Oswestry disability index (MODI). The inclusion criteria for this study were farmers aged 26-45 working as farmers in Pancasari Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency. Conversely, the exclusion criteria were the presence of a history of Spearman's rho and a condition of injury that limits the prone bridge test. Furthermore, the obtained data was analyzed using Spearman's rho test. Results: The non-parametric analysis of work posture on lower back disability obtained a p = 0.000 (p < 0.05) and a correlation coefficient of r = 0.849. Core muscle endurance against lower back disability obtained a value of p = 0.000 (p < 0.05) and a correlation coefficient r = -0.825, which is statistically significant that the higher the work posture score of the subject has means the higher incidence of lower back disability and also the higher of core muscle endurance the subject has, mean lower incidence of lower back disability among farmers. Conclusion: Based on the research results, it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship, with a high correlation, between work posture and core muscle endurance and the occurrence of lower back disability in farmers.

Prevalence of low back pain in handcrafters

Background: Low back pain is a musculoskeletal disorder caused by incorrect ergonomic conditions at work. It is located at the inferior gluteal fold and the coastal border and lasts more than 24 hours. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low back pain complaints in handcrafters. Methods: This research used an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The inclusion criteria for this study were handcrafters of serati banten aged 45-55. In contrast, the exclusion criteria were injuries in the lower back region. The total number of respondents who participated in this study was 50 people. The research location was in Gianyar, Bali. Data was collected from January to October 2023. Data were collected by measuring VAS and REBA. VAS measured the severity and relief of pain, while the REBA questionnaire analyzed work posture. Results: The results of research regarding the prevalence of low back pain in handcrafters of serati banten in Gianyar Regency based on internal factors showed the majority experienced low back pain of mild intensity (60%), and external factors showed that the majority of pain incidents occurred in respondents with a working period of >5 years (52%), working in a sitting position (56%) with moderate risk working postures (64%). Conclusion: The frequency of low back pain occurrences due to external factors was dominated by respondents with less than five years of working experience who worked in a sitting position with a medium-risk work posture.

Construction Activity Recognition Method Based on Object Detection, Attention Orientation Estimation, and Person Re-Identification

Recognition and classification for construction activities help to monitor and manage construction workers. Deep learning and computer vision technologies have addressed many limitations of traditional manual methods in complex construction environments. However, distinguishing different workers and establishing a clear recognition logic remain challenging. To address these issues, we propose a novel construction activity recognition method that integrates multiple deep learning algorithms. To complete this research, we created three datasets: 727 images for construction entities, 2546 for posture and orientation estimation, and 5455 for worker re-identification. First, a YOLO v5-based model is trained for worker posture and orientation detection. A person re-identification algorithm is then introduced to distinguish workers by tracking their coordinates, body and head orientations, and postures over time, then estimating their attention direction. Additionally, a YOLO v5-based object detection model is developed to identify ten common construction entity objects. The worker’s activity is determined by combining their attentional orientation, positional information, and interaction with detected construction entities. Ten video clips are selected for testing, and a total of 745 instances of workers are detected, achieving an accuracy rate of 88.5%. With further refinement, this method shows promise for a broader application in construction activity recognition, enhancing site management efficiency.

Workload analysis using energy expenditure and the work posture evaluation approach with brief method at PT XYZ

Abstract PT XYZ is a company operating in the tire retreading sector on JL. Medan-Banda Aceh, Cot Seurani Village, Muara Batu District, Aceh Utara. Retreading truck tires is carried out through several processes such as inspection, grating, repairing, gluing tire, installing tire treads, installing wheels and rings, cooking tires and finishing. The vulcanization process which is carried out manually and repeatedly makes workers easily fatigued, making them vulnerable to injury and the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). This research aims to calculate the workload of PT XYZ workers. PT XYZ to determine the level of worker fatigue using the Energy Expenditure approach and assessing worker work posture using the BRIEF method to assess work postures that cause complaints of pain in workers’ body parts. Researchers measured the resting pulse and working pulse of 8 workers, then classified the Cardiovascular Load (%CVL) and Energy Expenditure workload levels of the workers and assessed work posture using the BRIEF worksheet. The results of calculating the worker’s workload obtained an average %CVL value of 57.92%, the average result of the worker’s Energy Expenditure was 6,8048 Kcal/8 hours with very heavy work criteria. The average BRIEF work posture value is 3.28 in the high risk category. The suggestions given regarding the problem of workers who easily experience fatigue, high workloads and unergonomic work postures are to increase the number of workers, add benchrest jacks at each work station, add a table with wheels and rings and add chairs for finishing workers, lighten the work and reduce excessive bending activities for tire retreading workers.

The correlation between work posture and lower back pain among tailors

Background: Tailoring is an occupation pursued by a significant portion of the Indonesian population, and it is closely associated with working in a seated position. Tailors often experience rigid work postures and static muscle loads, which, if left unaddressed for extended periods, can increase the risk of work-related illnesses, one of which is lower back pain. Methods: This study employed an analytical observational method with a cross-sectional approach. The research subjects were determined using a total sampling technique. The total number of research subjects involved in this study was 37, adjusted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research data included the level of work posture risk which was measured by the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and lower back pain measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Results: The Spearman's rho hypothesis test was used to analyze the relationship between work posture and the occurrence of lower back pain at the garment in Bali, yielding a result of p = 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant correlation. Conclusions: This research concluded that a significant correlation between work posture and lower back pain among tailors in Bali.

Analysis of working posture and risk of musculoskeletal complaints among vegetable farmers

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are disorders of body tissue that are related to movement, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or spinal joints. Farmers often experience these musculoskeletal complaints. This study aims to determine the risk level of working postures, the distribution of musculoskeletal complaints, and the risk level of musculoskeletal complaints among vegetable farmers. Methods: The research method used is descriptive observational. The sampling technique used was total sampling. The number of samples obtained in this research was 147 samples. Data collection was conducted at Banjar Taman Tanda, Batunya Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency. Data collection was carried out by measuring work posture with rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and measuring musculoskeletal complaints with a Nordic body map (NBM). The data analysis technique in this research is univariate analysis, namely age, gender, smoking habits, work duration, work period, work posture, and musculoskeletal complaints. Results: The research results showed that the majority of respondents had a risk level of work posture. The majority of respondents were classified as a medium risk level, 90 people (61.2%), a low-risk level, 24 people (16.3%), a high-risk level, 30 people (20.4%). %), and the risk level is very high, with the minimum number of people being three people (2.0%). The results of measuring the level of musculoskeletal complaints with NBM found that the majority of complaints were not painful in the right elbow of the body, as many as 120 people (81.6%), the majority of complaints of slight pain were in the right leg, 51 people (34.7%), the majority of complaints of pain were in. The right shoulder of the body was 43 people (29.3%), and the majority of complaints of severe pain were in the waist, 58 people (39.5%). The highest risk level for musculoskeletal complaints was at a moderate risk level, 84 people (56.5%). Conclusion: There were differences in the risk level of musculoskeletal complaints and work posture among vegetable farmers.

APLIKASI ALAT BANTU ERGONOMIS PADA KERJA MANUAL BERDASARKAN KAJIAN ERGO-MECHANICAL UNTUK PETANI KECIL

Using traditional tools and manual work by small farmers in rural and developing areas is routine in processing agricultural land, especially planting plant seeds. This working model includes moderate to severe workload due to additional workload, namely sunlight when planting. In addition, work is carried out with non-ergonomic work postures, namely non-natural work postures. This causes musculoskeletal complaints to workers due to the non-harmonious tools with workers. Workers' productivity will decrease and have the potential to reduce the quality of life of small farmers themselves. To help the manual work of small farmers to create effective, comfortable, safe, healthy, efficient, and sustainable jobs, an ergo-mechanical application is needed to design work tools. This application is based on studies conducted on the design of work tools from several libraries or research results. The ergo-mechanical study is an integrated system that applies ergonomic and mechanical principles. The ergo-mechanical application produces ergonomic work tools that are comfortable to use by workers, and technical standards include material, product, and service requirements. Mechanically, the application through technical drawings, mechanical planning, and work tool materials to get a strong, lightweight, and safe work tool from hazardous substances, according to technical specifications. Technical standards are related to data sheets or specifications that describe the technical characteristics of a work tool. On the specifications of the work tool design, specifications can be added that the work tools are ergonomic. Ergonomic work tools can produce effective, comfortable, safe, healthy, and efficient work. This results from the compatibility between work tools and workers or the harmonious work tools with workers. Ergo-mechanical creates comfort in work that affects the increase in productivity and quality of life for workers.

Effects of Work Postures on Musculoskeletal Disorders: Based on the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey

Effects of Work Postures on Musculoskeletal Disorders: Based on the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey

Gender-based analysis of muscle activation while in a sedentary work posture.

Many people work in a sitting position where they have to use their upper extremities and hands. Muscle activity in sitting position is affected by the chair height of, the height of the worktable, and the distance to the working target. The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in muscle activity between men and wemen at different chair heghts and working distances. Surface electromyography (EMG) was employed to determine the muscle activity of the upper limbs and the trunk, while an arm-stretching task was performed in a sitting position. Women's muscle activity was higher than that of men in most muscles as the chair height and working distance changed. As the height of the chair or the working distance was changed, muscle activity was greater in women than in men for most of the muscles analyzed. Under the same conditions, women may feel more muscle fatigue than men, so it is necessary to consider gender in the working environment.

Neck Pain among Dental Practitioners

Dentistry is a demanding profession regarding concentration and precision. Performance of dental treatment results in a very inflexible work posture and under stressful body position for prolonged period, bad pattern and faulty neck posture disturbs the normal spine curve of neck leading to muscular imbalance and consequently lead to neck pain and disability. The aim of the study is to measure the prevalence of neck pain among the Dental surgeons in Dhaka city of Bangladesh. This is a cross-sectional survey type study. Dentists who reported neck pain last for 12 months were selected as a study population. After screening Neck pain intensity was measured by using 101 NPRS. Then the dentists were given NPAD questionnaire to measure disability level due to neck pain. About 36.60% dental surgeons had neck pain whereas 63.40% did not have. Among 71 dental surgeons 55.20% had moderate neck pain according to neck pain and disability scale (NPAD scale) followed by 23.90% had mild pain and 20.90% had severe pain respectively. Statistically no significant association was found between neck pain and age group. Statistically significant association was found between neck pain and duration of job of the respondents. Moreover, study found that negative correlation between age of the dental surgeons and pain score and it was not statistically significant. It is concluded from the study that prevalence of neck pain among dental surgeons working in Dhaka city is still high i.e. one in every three dental surgeons suffered from neck pain. Preventive musculoskeletal awareness campaign and posture training can be conducted among dental surgeons.