Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Abstract:

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) occur when the pressure that applied to musculoskeletal tissue is/be more than tissue tolerant capabilities. This study aimed to assess the risk factors cause musculoskeletal disorders associated with manual tasks using ManTRA and conducted ergonomics intervention program(educational- engineering) among workers in the printing industry.

MethodS: In this interventional case-control study, 40 workers who performed manual tasks, ( 20 case group and 20 control group) were chosen and were investigated. Nordic Body Map was used to determine the intensity and position of pain in the Different part of the body.  ManTRA method was performed to evaluate cumulative scores in four regions of the body (wrist / hand / arm - shoulder / neck - back - lower limb) for each workers before and after the intervention. Data analysis was done using SPSS.

Results: Data analysis showed that mean intensity of  pain in the control group before and after intervention in the various regions of the body such as  head /neck (p=0.012), right shoulder/arm (p=0.012), left shoulder/arm(p=0.043), back (p=0.003), right hand / wrist (p=0.028), left hand / wrist (p=0.027), right knee/ hip (p=0.005), left knee/ hip (p=0.005), right leg (p=0.012) & left leg(p=0.028) were significant.Cumulative score was also significant in the body regions such as arm/wrist /hand (p=0.001) and shoulder /neck (p=0.001) before and after the interventional program.

Conclusion: On the basis of the findings of this study, it could be noted that the ergonomic interventional program was effective to reduce the intensity of pain in the various regions of the body and risk factors causing cumulative damage in the workplace.

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Introduction: Different studies around the world have shown that Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are the causes of lost time, absenteeism, and disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and to evaluate their ergonomic risk factors and determine the effect of ergonomic intervention on awkward postures among workers of Saipa Diesel Truck manufacturing plants.
Methods: This interventional study (Before-after) was conducted on 130 workers of 2 largest truck-manufacturing plants in Iran. The prevalence rate of MSDs and ergonomic risk factors was assessed by valid and reliable translated Body Map Questionnaire (BM) and Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method, respectively.
Results: According to Body Map results, 87.5% of participants had MSDs at least in one of their eleven body regions during the previous year, before study. The highest prevalence rate of MSDs was observed in lower back (51.5%) and foot area (18.5%). Chi square test revealed that the prevalence rate of MSDs was higher among those with higher QEC risk level (P < 0.001). Results also indicated the significant effect of ergonomic interventions on reducing the prevalence rate of MSDs and QEC risk level (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: This study showed that the prevalence rate of MSDs and QEC risk levels among workers was significantly high. Therefore, it can be mentioned that the need for early ergonomic interventions is felt in all industrial units of these truck-manufacturing plants.