An ergonomic intervention to relieve musculoskeletal symptoms of assembly line workers at an electronic parts manufacturer in Iran.

Journal: Work (Reading, Mass.)
Published:
Abstract

Background: Prolonged, awkward postures among assembly line workers can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).

Objective: This study determined the prevalence of WMSDs and ergonomic risk factors among assembly line workers at an electronic parts manufacturer, and introduced a low-cost ergonomic intervention.

Methods: Data were gathered by means of a questionnaire. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) technique was used to determine ergonomic risk factors. A low-cost intervention, designed to improve working postures was introduced.

Results: Most musculoskeletal symptoms were associated with the lower back (73.6%), wrist/ hands (71.7%), and neck (67.9%). Most (80%) of the working postures analyzed using the RULA were at action levels 3 or 4.

Conclusions: The ergonomic intervention resulted in a significant reduction in posture scores for the neck and trunk. This indicated that the intervention helped to improve workplace ergonomics.

Authors
Hadi Daneshmandi, Dohyung Kee, Mojtaba Kamalinia, Mohammad Oliaei, Heidar Mohammadi