The effect of participatory ergonomics program to improve working condition for reducing musculoskeletal risks among concrete workers in a factory, Chonburi Province
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/dcj.2024.27Keywords:
participatory ergonomics, musculoskeletal risk, concrete workersAbstract
The objective was to study the effects of a participatory ergonomics program designed to reduce musculoskeletal risks among workers of a concrete factory, in Chonburi Province. The study was a quasi-experimental study, involving 97 workers. The program period was 90 days. Ergonomic risks, muscle pain, use of pain relievers, and sick leave, were compared using paired sample t-test statistics, before and after the intervention (workplace arrangement with ergonomic support, work protocol arrangement and personal behavioral change). The results showed that workers in every department had a statistically significant decrease in ergonomic risk after the study, workers in the mold cleaning department revealed the greatest decrease of risk (95% CI 4.09-6.17). The decrease in muscle pain intensity at neck, shoulders, back and hips were reported, with the greatest decrease at lower back (95% CI 1.60-2.04). Knowledge and attitudes towards ergonomics had improved (95% CI 5.56-7.30 and 1.23-1.50 respectively). The use of pain relievers, and sick leave from muscle pain had decreased (95% CI 0.41-1.64 and 0.22-0.78 respectively). The key to success is the supports from executives and all workers in the organization; committee appointment to operate the activities, resource allocation, providing knowledge by experts, and participatory decision-making among all employees. Further studied on factors affecting the success of participatory ergonomics program should be identified intensively, so that the guidelines to solve the ergonomics problem among workers should be produced to promote good quality of life and work safely among workers.
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