Write your message
Volume 7, Issue 3 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2019)                   Iran J Ergon 2019, 7(3): 66-74 | Back to browse issues page


XML Persian Abstract Print


Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

Shoja E, Choupani A, Gharaee M, Ghanbari M. Feasibility of using WERA Method to Assess Ergonomic Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders. Iran J Ergon 2019; 7 (3) :66-74
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-658-en.html
1- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
2- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran , choupania2@gmail.com
3- Department of Epidemiology, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
4- Department of Occupational Health and safety Engineering, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
Full-Text [PDF 522 kb]   (9152 Downloads)     |   Abstract (HTML)  (7953 Views)

Examination of the correlation between the mean scores of the two methods indicated a moderate correlation between them. Correlation between prevalence of disorders and QEC and WERA scores showed that QEC results were more consistent with Nordic results and it can be said that QEC method was more suitable for ergonomic assessment of musculoskeletal disorders risk for different tasks in this study.


Extended Abstract:   (1780 Views)
Introduction

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the second most common occupational diseases followed by occupational respiratory diseases [1]. The main disadvantages of these disorders include: absenteeism, loss of time, increased costs and labor shortages, which in turn lead to reduced productivity [2]. Physical and mechanical risk factors for abnormalities include inappropriate posture, contact pressure, excessive force, full-body or local vibration, repetitive work, low work temperature, lifting and handling, and inadequate lighting [3].
Posture assessment methods in the field of ergonomics have made it possible to evaluate worker exposure to a range of musculoskeletal disorders risk factors [13]. There are several ways to reduce the damage caused by musculoskeletal disorders, such as the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and WERA (Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment) [14, 13].
One of the most important steps in achieving workforce health is to apply the right principles of ergonomics, which can then be followed by human adaptation to the workplace and a reduction in musculoskeletal disorders. In the industry studied in this study, which is a modern brick industry, there is a risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to the risk factors such as repetitive work, inappropriate posture, shifting, etc. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using WERA method to assess the risk of musculoskeletal disorders by correlating its results with the results of QEC method, which is a common method with appropriate validity and reliability.


 

Materials and Methods

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 72 employees of workshop units of a modern brick industry in different occupations were enrolled. These jobs included brick layering, wagon unloading, metal casing and pallet making (Figure 1). The tools used in this study for data gathering were Nordic questionnaire for assessment of musculoskeletal disorders in the last 12 months, as well as two methods of "rapid exposure assessment (QEC)" and "workplace ergonomic risk assessment (WERA)". In this study, after obtaining informed consent from the subjects under study, the necessary training on the implementation of the plan and the benefits of the project were explained to the subjects.
Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill., USA) and analyzed by t-test, analysis of variance and correlation as well as significance level less than 0.05.


Figure 1. An overview of the different tasks in a modern brick industry. (a): Metal case (b): Pallet making (c): Wagon unload (d): Brick layering


 

Results

The prevalence of back, shoulder, neck and wrist disorders were 41.7%, 20.8%, 16.7% and 33.3%, respectively (Table 1). Results of WERA showed that 88.9% of subjects had medium action level and 11.1% had high action level (Table 2). In QEC method, 6.9% of subjects had exposure level ‘one’, 20.8% of subjects had exposure level ‘two’, 48.6% of subjects had exposure level ‘three’, and 23.7% of subjects had exposure level ‘four’ (Table 3). The correlation between QEC total score and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was (r=0.67, P=0.038)9. The correlation coefficient between the final scores of the two methods was (r=0.53, P=0.021) (Table 4).
 

Table 1. Frequency and prevalence of MSDs from Nordic questionnaires in different parts of the body and their relationship with age

MSDs 20 to 29 years
% (N)
30 to 39 years
% (N)
40 and over
% (N)
P-value**
Neck With
Without
4.16 (3)
41.66 (30)
4.16 (3)
29.16 (21)
8.33 (6)
12.5 (9)
0.313
Shoulder With
Without
8.33 (6)
34.72 (25)
5.55 (5)
31.94 (23)
6.94 (5)
12.5 (9)
0.508
Waist With
Without
9.72 (7)
37.5 (27)
16.66 (12)
16.66 (12)
15.27 (11)
4.16 (3)
0.056
Hands and wrists With
Without
8.33 (6)
37.5 (27)
8.33 (6)
18 (25)
16.66 (12)
4.16 (3)
0.041*

* There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). ** Analysis of variance


Table 2. Average WERA final score and priority level of corrective action in different tasks

Duties Total body scores Force Touching stress WERA final score Level of risk
Vibration Working time
Bricklayer 20 < 5 Kg Contact hard materials and tools 35 MED (This task in the future will require corrective changes)
Not applicable <4 h a day
Wagon unload 23 < 5 Kg Contact hard materials and tools 40 MED(This task in the future will require corrective changes)
Not applicable <4 h a day
Metal case 19 < 5 Kg Contact hard materials and tools 33 MED(This task in the future will require corrective changes)
Not applicable <4 h a day
Making Palette 20 5-10 Kg Contact hard materials and tools 37 MED(This task in the future will require corrective changes)
Applicable for less than 4 h <4 h a day


Table 3. Survey results of exposure level to (MSDs) in quadrants based on QEC method score

Region Exposure level to musculoskeletal disorders
Low
(%) N
Average
(%) N
High
(%) N
Very high
(%) N
Waist (5.5) 4 (19.5) 14 (43) 31 (32) 23
Shoulder/Arm (6.8) 5 (23.7) 17 (45.8) 33 (23.7) 17
Wrist / Hand (8.4) 6 (16.7) 12 (52.7) 38 (22.2) 16
Neck (11.1) 8 (40.3) 29 (36.1) 26 (12.5) 9


Table 4. Investigation of Correlation between Results of QEC and WERA Methods in Different Tasks

Duties QEC results WERA results Correlation
Corrective Action Priority (Total Score) Corrective Action Priority (Total Score)
Bricklayer Level 3 (60%) MED (35)  r= 0.56 , P=0.026
Wagon unload Level 4 (72%) MED (40)  r= 0.63 , P<0.01
Metal case Level 2 (47%) MED (33) r= 0.51 , P=0.018
Making Palette Level 3 (58%) MED (37)  r= 0.45 , P=0.043


 

Discussion

Investigation of the correlation between the mean scores obtained from the two methods used in this study for all workers showed a significant but moderate correlation between the scores obtained from the two methods. Correlation between prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders obtained from Nordic questionnaire and final scores of QEC and WERA methods also showed that results of QEC method are closer and more consistent with results of Nordic questionnaire.

 

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that the results of QEC method compared to WERA method were more consistent with the results of the study of musculoskeletal disorders by Nordic questionnaire and also the QEC method was more sensitive than WERA method in determining the corrective action priorities. The practical significance of these findings is that using the QEC method is more appropriate than the WERA method for ergonomic risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders for the tasks studied in this study and many other tasks with similar risk factors.

 

Acknowledgements

The authors of this article wish to thank the management, the employees of the Safety and Health Unit and the honorable staff of Iran Refractory Products Company, who, despite all the difficulties, had a good and sincere cooperation in the implementation of this research. The research is funded by the authors.

 

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declared no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article.

 

Type of Study: Review | Subject: Other Cases
Received: 2019/09/17 | Accepted: 2019/12/25 | ePublished: 2020/01/12

References
1. Luttmann A. JM, Griefahn B., Caffier G., Liebers F., Steinberg U. Preventing musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2003. [Google Scholar]
2. Anderson SP, Oakman J. Allied Health Professionals and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review. Safety and Health at Work. 2016; 7(4):259-67. [DOI:10.1016/j.shaw.2016.04.001] [PMID] [PMCID]
3. Bevan S. Economic impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on work in Europe. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 2015; 29(3):356-73. [DOI:10.1016/j.berh.2015.08.002] [PMID]
4. da Costa BR, Vieira ER. Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review of recent longitudinal studies. American Journal of industrial Medicine. 2010; 53(3):285-323. [DOI:10.1002/ajim.20750] [PMID]
5. Mehrparvar AH, Ranjbar S, Mostaghaci M, Salehi M. Risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders by QEC method in a Food Production Factory. SSUJ. 2011; 3(2):54-60. [Google Scholar]
6. Mohammadfam I, Kianfar A, Afsartala B. Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders in a manufacturing company using QEC and LUBAmethods and comparison of results. IOH. 2010; 7(1):7-0. [Article] [Google Scholar]
7. Khajevandi AA, Zarei E, Fallah H, Darabi F, Motalebi M, Sarsangi V, et al. Identification and Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Arcopal Dish Production Company Personnel Using QEC Method and NMQ Questionnaire. Journal of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences. 2014; 20(5):706-15. [Google Scholar]
8. Abedini R, Choobineh AR, Soltanzadeh A, Ghiasvand R, Kazem Haghighi M. Ergonomic evaluation of exposure to musculoskeletal disorders risk factors by Quick Exposure Check (QEC) technique in a metal structure manufacturing factory. Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences. 2012; 4(2):13-20. [Google Scholar]
9. Kohan Sal S, Kohpaei A, Gharli Por Gharghani Z, Habibi P, Zeyaei M, Gilasi H, et al. Ergonomic evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders among kitchen workers by QEC technique in the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Medilam. 2013; 20(5):18-23. [Google Scholar]
10. Mirmohammadi M, Naslsaraji J, Shah taheri SJ, Lahmi MA. Evaluation of risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in QEC method in workers of a home appliances production industry. 4th national congress of occupational health Iran; Hamedan, Iran; Day ?, Month ?; 2005.
11. The Economics Daily (August 28). Back injuries prominent in work-related musculoskeletal disorder cases in 2016. Available from https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2018/back-injuries-prominent-in-work-related-musculoskeletal-disorder-cases-in-2016.htm?view_full
12. Work related musculoskeletal disorders in Great Britain (WRMSDs), 2018. In: Executive Has, editor. Published 31st October 2018.
13. Supplementary analysis of Costs to Britain data: using existing ill health appraisal values to estimate illustrative costs of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and stress. In: Executive Has, editor. 2015.
14. David G, Woods V, Li G, Buckle P. The development of the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) for assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Applied Ergonomics. 2008; 39(1):57-69. [DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2007.03.002] [PMID]
15. Abd Rahman MN, Abdul Rani MR, Rohani JM. WERA: an observational tool develop to investigate the physical risk factor associated with WMSDs. Journal of Human Ergology. 2011; 40(1-2):19-36. [Article] [DOI] [Google Scholar]
16. Descatha A, Roquelaure Y, Chastang JF, Evanoff B, Melchior M, Mariot C, et al. Validity of Nordic-style questionnaires in the surveillance of upper-limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health. 2007; 33(1):58-65. [DOI:10.5271/sjweh.1065] [PMID]
17. Rahman MNA, Rani MRA, Rohani MJ, editors. WERA Tool for Assessing Exposure Risk Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders - A Reliability and Validity Study. International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management; 2012 July 3 - 6; Istanbul, Turkey. [Article] [Google Scholar]
18. Rahman MN, Rani MR, Rohani JM. Investigation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in wall plastering jobs within the construction industry. Work (Reading, Mass). 2012; 43(4):507-14. [DOI:10.3233/WOR-2012-1404] [PMID]
19. Ghanbary-Sartang A, Habibi E. Evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders risk using PATH method in construction workers. Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2016; 2(4):14-20. [Article] [Google Scholar]
20. Gholami A, Soltanzadeh A, Abedini R, Sahranavard M. Ergonomic assessment of musculoskeletal disorders risk by Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) technique in a porcelain manufacturing factory. Journal of Research and Health. 2014; 4(1):608-12. [Article] [Google Scholar]
21. Marvimilan H, Mohebbi I, Khalkhali H, Hajaghazadeh M. An analytical study of musculoskeletal symptoms, demographic characteristics and physical work load among construction workers. Journal of Health and Safety at Work. 2019; 9(1):61-72. [Google Scholar]
22. Pirmand R, Heidari A, Hashemipour M, Talebi M, Saneikhah M, Shahirani SA, et al. The Relationship between Ergonomic Risk Factors and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Construction Workers in Tehran Refinery. Journal of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences. 2015; 22(3):324-33. [Article] [Google Scholar]
23. Soleimani E, Satiarvand M, Motamedzade M, Soleimani M. Prevalence and risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders using RULA method in office staff of a construction company in 2014. Pajouhan Scientific Journal. 1395; 14(3):39-48. [DOI:10.21859/psj-140339]
24. Halvani GH, Fallah H, Hokmabadi RA, Smaeili S, Dabiri R, Sanei B, et al. Ergonomic assessment of work related musculoskeletal disorders risk in furnace brickyard workers in Yazd. Journal of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences. 2014; 6(3):543-50. [DOI:10.29252/jnkums.6.3.543]
25. Naslsaraji J, Hajaghazadeh M, Hoseini SM, JA. Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Construction Industry Workers. Iran Occupational Health. 1386; 4(2-1):15-9.
26. Gholami A, Tamadon Y JA, Hejazi M, Shirdel E, darabi F. Ergonomic Risk Assessment by REBA Method and Determination of its relationship with Musculoskeletal Disorders in Workers of Gonabad Brick Furnaces. 9th National Conference on Occupational Health and Safety; 21 and 22 June 2016; Yazd, Iran.
27. Abedini R, Choobineh A, Hasanzadeh J. Musculoskeletal load assessment in hospital nurses with patient transfer activity. International Journal of Occupational Hygiene. 2013; 5(2):39-45. [Google Scholar]
28. Abedini R, Choobineh A, Soltanzadeh A, Gholami M, Amiri F, Almasi Hashiani A. Ergonomic risk assessment of lifting activities; a case study in a rubber industry. Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences. 2013; 5(1):9-15. [Article] [Google Scholar]
29. Neghab M, Soltanzadeh A, Abedini R, Hasanzadeh J, Sarvestani S. Assessment of noise related disorders among health care personnel: a cross-sectional study in shiraz hospitals. Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System. 2014; 2(2):42-8. [Article] [Google Scholar]
30. Shoja E, Hokmabadi RA, Shoja M, Gharaee M. Ergonomic evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders risk by quick exposure check technique in a textile industry. Journal of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences. 2014; 6(2):259-66. [DOI:10.29252/jnkums.6.2.259]
31. Tayefe Rahimian J, Choobineh A, Dehghan N, Tayefe Rahimian R, Kolahi H, Abbasi M, et al. Ergonomic Evaluation of Exposure to Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk Factors in Welders. Iranian Journal of Ergonomics. 2014; 1(3):18-26. [Article]
32. Saedpanah K, Motamedzade M, Salimi K, Eskandari T, Samaei SE. Physical Risk Factors among Construction Workers by Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) Method. Archives of Occupational Health. 2018; 2(1):56-62. [Google Scholar]

Add your comments about this article : Your username or Email:
CAPTCHA

Send email to the article author


Rights and permissions
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

© 2024 CC BY-NC 4.0 | Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Designed & Developed by : Yektaweb |