Ergonomic risk assessment and musculoskeletal disorder in the parcel sorting process

Abstract

This research is a survey study aimed at examining the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and assessing ergonomic risks among a group of 22 parcel delivery workers. The study uses the Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) to assess ergonomic risks. The study found that all participants were male, with 63.00% aged between 36-45 years and an average work experience of seven years. Over the past 12 months, the top three body parts where participant experienced disorders were Lower back (86.00%), Shoulders/neck (77.00%), and Upper back (68.00%). Over the past seven days, the top three body parts where participants experienced disorders were Lower back (18.00%), Shoulders/neck (13.00%), and Upper back, legs/thighs, and feet/ankles (9.00% each). The REBA assessment results for the parcel sorting stage showed that for the left side risk assessment, the majority of participants (66.00%) had a risk score of ≥ 11, indicating a very high risk that requires immediate improvement. For the right-side risk assessment, the majority of participants (62.00%) had a risk score of 8-10, indicating a high risk that requires further analysis. For the parcel preparation stage, the majority of participants (58.00%) had a risk score of ≥ 11, indicating a very high risk that requires immediate improvement. The REBA assessment for the right side showed that the majority of participants (60.00%) had a risk score of ≥ 11, also indicating a very high risk that requires immediate improvement. The results of the ergonomic risk assessment using the REBA method for the parcel sorting stage and parcel preparation stage on vehicles indicated that the risk levels ranged from high to very high. This may be due to employees needing to bend down to read details on every package and lift packages from conveyor belts onto truck. This is attributed to improper working postures or unsuitable workstations. The study’s results can be used as a basis for improving workstations and implementing preventive measures or guidelines to improve work practices, reducing musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risks.