Ergonomic Assesment of Garment Factory Workers in Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are common health problem among garment workers because workers have to sit or stand in limited postures throughout the day, such behaviors can cause fatigue and cause physical problems. This study is cross-sectional descriptive study which aimed to evaluate the prevalence and assess problems of musculoskeletal disorders among garment factory workers in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand.  A total of 381 participants were enrolled, took about 3 months to collect information and interviewed   to   collect   personal   information   by   questionnaire.   Modified Nordic Questionnaires were used for a musculoskeletal disorders analysis.  Statistic comparison between two groups was analyzed by Chi-square and Logistic regression.  Moreover, initial ergonomics assessment using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Quick Exposure Check (QEC) to assess the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders

                     The result of study showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders during the past 12 months was 92.7%, the most common were the lower back, shoulders and neck, respectively, and over the past 7 days was 72.2%, the most common were neck, ankle/foot and lower back, respectively. Factors associated with the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders among garment factory workers were gender and job position. The ergonomic assessment by RULA found to be at high risk. (a total average score of 5) means that the task is starting to have problems, should be updated immediately. The results of this study can be used as a baseline to promote health and reduce the risk of working to suit the working context, to provide workers with effective health care in accordance with actual working conditions.