Ergonomics Risk and Muscular Pain among Fishing Net Sinker Workers, Pakpoon Sub-district, Muang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify ergonomics risk and muscular pain in fishing net sinker-workers. Ninety-two workers participated in this study. Data were obtained by observation and questionnaire. Muscular pain intensity was assessed with numeral rating scales. Working posture of 24 workers was recorded using video recorder. Data were analyzed and evaluated with the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) to determine ergonomics risk.

Most of workers were female (98%). The workers’ age ranged from 25 to 61 years with a mean of 41.5 years (S.D. = 13.0). The mean number of years of works was 15.2 (S.D. = 13.8) with working hour was 9. Most of workers had muscular pain (91%) such as shoulder and low back. Muscle Pain intensity of workers were found to be very pain (score of 7 - 9) before work in the morning, before lunch and after work in the afternoon. The task of lead-sinker attachment with fishnet was very severe muscle pain’s workers. Results of the RULA scores were found to be quite high (a score > 5). The RULA scores of lead-sinker and float attachment with fishnet were action level 4 (a score ≥ 7 indicates that investigation and changes are required immediately). The tasks of lead-sinker and float handing and net sewing were action level 3 (a score 5 or 6 indicates that investigation and changes are required soon).

These results indicated that the working condition and follow-up program should be improved to prevent musculoskeletal disorder among fishing net sinker-workers.