Thai Journal of Ergonomics

Improving workstations with seating cushion to reduce ergonomic risk level of sewing workers in Chiang Rai

Chaloemphan Kaewkanta, Anchalee Katramee — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This quasi-experimental study aimed to reduce ergonomic risks associated with the posture of sewing workers by enhancing the workstation in the chair section through the implementation of cushion designs. The study involved examining the working postures of 22 sewing workers in Chiang Rai province, assessing the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in various body parts, and evaluating the ergonomic risk levels of their working postures using the RULA technique. To reduce ergonomic risks, a modified workstation was introduced by designing the chair cushions, which were provided to sewing workers for trial. A comparison of ergonomic risk levels in sewing postures was conducted before and after the utilization of the chair cushions. The results revealed that the postures involved in sewing the collar and sleeves, as well as sewing the shirt body, exhibited a high-risk level at level 3 (score 5-6: further investigation and prompt intervention required). This was attributed to prolonged sitting (over 2 hours), forward bending of the head and torso, and extended arm positioning during work. Following the implementation of chair cushions, the ergonomic risk level decreased to level 2, indicating a moderate risk (score 3-4: further investigation and continuous detailed monitoring). Consequently, the study demonstrated that the cushions were statistically significant in reducing the risk level associated with sewing workers' postures (p=0.002, p<0.001 for sewing collar and sleeves, and sewing shirt body, respectively).

Work-related psychosocial hazard exposure and stress in pregnant workers

Sanhathai Banchanurat, Pitchaya Chevasutho — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objectives of this research were 1) to study about psychosocial hazard in pregnant workers 2) to study about stress level in pregnant workers 3) to study the association between stress and personal, pregnancy and working conditions. A Cross-sectional study was conducted with sample size of 236 pregnant workers. Participants were interviewed using a questionnaire on demographic-socioeconomic, pregnancy and working data. Using ST-5 test to evaluate the stress level, 47.9% of pregnant workers had moderate stress level. The most prominent psychosocial factors were low salary, high responsibility task, and urgent work which contributed 28.8%, 23.3%, and 23.3% of pregnant workers, accordingly. Odds ratio with 95% CI, estimated by Chi-Square Test, showed the association between stress and age, marital status, smoking, drinking, relationship with husband, and intention of pregnancy. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results revealed significant association between stress and age with p-value <0.001.

Back pain and upper limb disorders risk predicted matrix of health risk assessment and anthropometry in electronic assembly industrial workers

Pornpailin Tidaoon, Sunisa Chaiklieng — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to assess the health risk on back pain and upper limb disorders considering the appropriateness of workstation and anthropometry among 46 winding process workers who winding without using the machine and winding using the machine in the electronic assembly industry. Data were collected by using the structured interview questionnaire, Musculoskeletal disorders Severity and Frequency Questionnaire (MSFQ), ergonomic risk assessment tool for sitting and standing work, anthropometry and workstation measurement and health risk assessment matrix on back and upper limb disorders. The results of muscular discomfort showed that winding without using the machine workers (a standing position) had predominantly the shoulders and upper back disorders, while winding using the machine workers (a sitting position) had the shoulders and lower back disorders. Ergonomic risk assessment results showed that workers who work in a standing position had the highest risk at level 4 (very high risk), and workers work in a sitting position had the highest risk at level 3 (high risk). Anthropometric results in winding workers without the machine found that there was a significantly inappropriate relationship between the elbow height of workers and the height of the workstation or the height from the floor to the working level. In winding workers using the machine, it was found that there was an inappropriate relationship between the sitting elbows height level and the height of the workstation or the height from the floor level to the working level. The results of health risk assessment on back and upper limb disorders found that winding without using the machine worker had the highest risk at a very high risk (65.22%), and winding workers using the machine had the highest risk at a very high risk level (60.86%). This finding health risk assessment on back and upper limb disorders with a predicted risk matrix is useful for monitoring health risks in the health surveillance program and improving ergonomic workstation and working posture of electronic workers.

The immediate effects of postural-adjustment brace for 2 hours on sitting posture and back muscles electromyography

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The purpose of this study was to study the acute effects of sitting postural-adjustment brace for 2 hours on sitting and electromyography of upper trapezius and erector spinae at T10 and L3. This study was crossover design. Seventeen participants age between 22.00 ± 1.03 years, who have more than 8 hours in sitting posture, were included. Each participant was simple random sampling sequences to 2 patterns, which were group 1 firstly sitting on office chair and group 2 firstly sitting on office chair with sitting postural-adjustment brace. After more than 48 hours, both 2 groups were alternate to another patterns. All 17 participants were sitting on both patterns. Pre and post experiment were tested, the data was divided into 2 groups, which are experiment, data from sitting on office chair with sitting postural-adjustment brace, and control group, data from sitting on office chair. The data of sitting posture and Electromyography were tested the distribution pattern by using Shapiro-Wilk test. The normal distribution data was analyzed by paired t-test (t), whereas the non-normal distribution was analyzed by Wilcoxon sign rank test (z). The significant different was at p<.05. The results showed significant decrease of lean-angle of left and right side (P=0.003 and 0.000 respectively). The lean-angle of post-intervention of experimental group was significant lesser than of control group both left and right side (P=0.006 and 0.002 respectively). Moreover, the electromyography of erector spinae muscle at L3 of experimental group at left side was significantly decrease. Whereas there was no significant different in other data. The conclusion was sitting on office chair with sitting postural-adjustment brace can adjust the sitting posture by decrease the degree of anterior sway significantly, which tend to be ‘good sitting posture’, and decrease the back muscles work, especially at paravertebral muscles at L3 level.

The study of personal OKRs on goal setting with voice user interface

Sakol Teeravarunyou, Pimsiri Chiwamit, Kochahem Kamolwit — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Navigating the landscape of self-directed learning proves to be a formidable challenge for millennials, especially when the need arises for upskilling and reskilling in their professional journeys. Despite the recognized importance of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), the current setup remains a complex task. To address this issue directly, our study explores the design of a Voice User Interface (VUI) aimed at assisting individuals not only in setting but also in tracking and measuring their goals, incorporating a strategic approach to habit formation. This study employs a mixed-methods approach. Engaging 24 participants, this research investigates the implementation of Personal OKRs through VUI, revealing insights gathered over a dedicated one month learning period. Results showcased a noteworthy achievement, with over half successfully surpassing the commit level (0.3) and one-third reaching the stretch level (0.7). Upskill group exhibited higher grit scores and more frequent logins than the Reskill group. Emphatically, participants acknowledged the seamless integration of SMART goals, habit strategies, and scores into the fabric of Personal OKRs.

Correlation between discomfort in the neck area shoulder from work, stress from mental workload and eye fatigue among electronic workers

Siripat Chuangkrud, Sunisa Chaiklieng — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study was a cross-sectional analytic study. The objective was to study correlation between discomfort in the neck area shoulder from work, stress from mental workload and eye fatigue among electronic workers. Data were collected using the structured questionnaire, musculoskeletal Severity and Frequency questionnaire (MSFQ), subjective Workload Index (SWI), eye fatigue was measured by critical flicker fusion (CFF) test. The results of the study found that 300 electronic workers found that majority of neck at mild discomfort followed by moderate. The discomfort of shoulder most experienced mild discomfort Followed by moderate and severe discomfort no correlation was found between discomfort in the neck and shoulders from work and eye fatigue levels. But when considering eye fatigue without considering the risk level of eye fatigue and classifying discomfort as more severe (level 3-4) It was found that discomfort in the neck and shoulders from work is related to eye fatigue. (p-value<0.001) both neck and shoulder area. Stress from mental workload was found to be mostly at level 4 no correlation was found between the level of stress from mental workload and eye fatigue. But when considering eye fatigue without considering the level of eye fatigue risk and classifying stress from high mental workload (SWI≥4), it was found that it was related to eye fatigue. (p-value=0.003). Which the study results obtained can be a guideline for health surveillance If you are not aware of the problem of eye fatigue, it can result in eye fatigue and may also reduce work efficiency.

Ergonomics risk management for the handloom workers on 3E, Ban Bon weaving group, Samrong District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This quasi-experimental research aimed to study ergonomics problems, ergonomic management, and the results of ergonomics management among the handloom workers in Ban Bon, Samrong District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The sampling is 25 persons. Data were collected by questionnaire, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and Rapid Upper Limp Assessment (RULA) technic and analyzed by descriptive statistics and paired samples t-test. The musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with the highest prevalence of symptoms were shoulders (72.00%), low-upper back (64.00%), and neck (56.00%). The results of ergonomic risk management by the 3E (Engineering, Education, Enforcement) in the weaving process can reduce work hours and RULA score, and increase ergonomics knowledge.

Review of physical ergonomics toolkit and assessment techniques for work-related musculoskeletal disorders prevention

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant global occupational health and safety concern, primarily stemming from ergonomics risk exposures such as static postures, repetitive motions, and heavy manual material handling. There exists a disconnect between these factors and the capabilities and limitations of workers, which can adversely affect their health, particularly in the context of WMSDs. The identification and evaluation of ergonomics become crucial steps in providing insights for managing ergonomic issues. Currently, various ergonomics assessment tools are available, each with their unique advantages and limitations. The choice of tools should align with specific work characteristics. Therefore, the objective of this study is to present a physical ergonomics assessment toolkit and techniques to identify problems, recognize hazards, and assess risk factors. This will result in guidelines for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) prevention and further enhancing ergonomic working conditions.