Ergonomic risks assessment by the BRIEFTM Survey and Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure among Workers in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Components Manufacturing

Abstract

This cross-sectional study to assess the ergonomic risks and Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) exposure among workers in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Components Manufacturing. Samples were classified according to job characteristics and exposure to Similar Exposure Group (SEG) for a total of 30 SEG. Data was collected by using an interviewed discomfort questionnaire, ergonomics risk assessment by BRIEF’s survey (4 levels) and measurement of HAV for 8 hours of work (Vibration Daily Expose: A (8)) by vibration meter and hand-arm sensors with processed with a Supervisor program. The study found that most employees had ergonomic risks at level 4 (very high risk). The highest risk was at area of trunk (31.37%), followed by the neck, upper limb area and lower limb for 23.53%, 22.22% and 19.61%, respectively. For the type of work that was risk level 4 (very high risk) indicated of SEG 13, the Leak Check staff - knocked skates mixed (Leak Check department). The risks of upper limb and neck were at the highest numbers (84.62%). The highest perception of discomfort severity was indicated at the upper limb disorders which were found that of SEG 05 - Assembly and Preparation staff, SEG 13 - Leak Check staff, and SEG 27 - Assembly Parts staffs. For the results of HAV, SEG 30 Created Machines and Shop had the highest vibration value A (8) exposure, however, considering the frequency of vibration, every SEG had a high frequency vibration level range 25-50 Hz. that affected the abnormalities of musculoskeletal systems in the upper limbs. Therefore, the organization and the occupational safety and health department should make an action plan for employee MSDs surveillance, especially the ergonomics risk of upper limbs and trunk disorders when workers exposed to vibration with hand-vibrating tools. Improving the work station and reducing the workflow that cause repetitive postures for efficiency production and safety at work are recommended from this study.