Ergonomic workstation improvement of employees working with sugar bag conveyor belt : A case of dragging task

Abstract

This study is quasi-experimental research aimed at improving the workstations of employees who work with sugar bag conveyors according to ergonomic principles. It focuses on the task of dragging sugar bags onto the conveyor belt and compares the ergonomic risk scores, musculoskeletal disorders, and work effectiveness before and after the improvement. The sample group consisted of 30 employees, and data were collected through interviews and risk assessments using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) technique. Before the workstation improvements, 100% of the employees were at a very high risk level, with the most common pain being in the lower back (60%), and the frequency of pain in that area was 1-2 times per week (41.94%). After the improvement by adding an electric pulley system for adjusting the workstation, it was found that the ergonomic risk score significantly decreased (p<0.001). However, the severity and frequency of upper limb pain tended to decrease after the workstation improvement, but not significantly. The severity and frequency of pain in the lower limbs showed difference with non-statistically significance. Regarding work efficiency, it was found that the time taken to drag sugar sacks tended to increase significantly at 08.00 am., 1.00 pm., and 3.00 pm. (p=0.020, 0.050, <0.001). This study highlights the importance of improving workstations according to ergonomic principles, which tend to reduce the severity and frequency of upper limb pain, thereby reducing ergonomic risks. Therefore, further studies should be conducted to identify additional risk factors to enhance workstation improvements, making them more effective in reducing ergonomic risks and increasing work efficiency.