Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Employee in Steel Roll Roof Forming Industry, Thailand

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess ergonomic risk on work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of workers in steel roll roof forming industry. Data were collected from 97 employees by using an interviewed questionnaire for information of demographic and work characteristics. An ergonomic risk assessment was done by using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The results showed that most workers were male (97.9%), average age was 34.61 years. The work experience was ranged from 5 to 10 years (45.3%), job position was majority as operator (73.2%). Ergonomics risk level using RULA identified that high to very high risk levels (level 3 to level 4) was 22.22% of office workers. REBA indicated the high risk (level 4) for folder machine, crimp curve machine and roll forming machine processing which were 87.50%, 83.33 % and 70.00 %, respectively. The results indicated some stations in process initiated the high ergonomic risk which should be immediately implemented. In addition, some workers in office had ergonomics risk from awkward postures. Those high risks might lead to musculoskeletal disorders among workers in steel roll roof forming industry. Therefore, there should be improvement of workstations by ergonomic design and workload management to match each worker’s capabilities. Ergonomics training should be provided for workers’ awareness in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The further study should be focused on MSDs health surveillance program by applied health risk assessment among workers in steel roll roof forming industry, Thailand.