Preliminary Report: Modified and innovative workstation and tools in a male wood carver at Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
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Abstract
Background: Wood carving is a very well-known occupation in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Traditional posture during wood carving with conventional tools has been demonstrated by sitting on the floor. However, work-musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) during carving had not been assessed and whether workstation modification could be involved in posture, pain and satisfaction.
Objectives: To evaluate posture and pain during wood carving at before and after workstation and to develop an innovative workstation and tools for a woodcarver.
Materials and methods: This study was performed preliminarily in a male wood carver aged 28 years, with ten years of carving experience. Before and after 4-weeks when the workstation and tools were modified, the ergonomic risk was evaluated by using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and pain area and intensity as well as satisfaction were interviewed. Then, the innovative workstation was designed and developed after face to face discussions.
Results: The results of posture in a conventional workstation showed a slumping position on a low stool and use of various unsafe steel carving tools, and the total RULA score was7, whereas an intense pain located at the neck and lower back regions. When the workstation was modified with marble and wooden chairs, and tools with hammer with rubber wrapped heads, the total RULA score decreased to 6. Additionally, pain intensity at the neck and lower back decreased and the satisfaction improved. Finally, when an innovative workstation was designed and developed, the result showed looked convenient, comfortable and usable for wood carving.
Conclusion. Modification of the workstation and tools for wood carver can reduce pain. Furthermore, an innovative workstation should have developed for wood carver for protecting the WMSD.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Personal views expressed by the contributors in their articles are not necessarily those of the Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University.
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