Ergonomic Factor and Prevalence Rate of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Workers in Furniture Industry - ปัจจัยด้านการยศาสตร์และอัตราความชุกของกลุ่มอาการผิดปรกติ ทางระบบโครงร่าง และกล้ามเนื้อในพนักงานโรงงานเฟอร์นิเจอร์

Abstract

This descriptive correlation study was aimed to examine ergonomic factors: working posture and vibration hand tool exposure, the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and to examine the association between ergonomic factors and MSDs among workers working in furniture industry, Lumphun province during December 2005-January 2006. This study examine a random sample of 227 workers who met the inclusion criteria. The research instruments comprised 1) working posture observation 2) a vibration hand tool exposure questionnaire and 3) MSDs questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square. The major findings showed that, ergonomic factors concerning working posture was found to be a common ergonomic problem that needed continuous monitoring as well as probably modifying the work design of this factory (56.96%). Regarding vibration hand tool exposure, the workers who used jigsaw 69.23 percent and machine drill 98.80 percent experienced risks from vibrating tool exposure. The prevalence rate of MSDs during 12-month period was 85.21 percent and that during 7-day period was 50.87 percent. Regarding the relationship between ergonomic factors and MSDs among workers in furniture industry, only the working postures were found to be significantly associated with MSDs (p<0.05).