Effectiveness of ergonomics management on risk reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among textile export industrial workers

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study aimed to measure the effectiveness of ergonomics management on risk reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The study was conducted among industrial workers in one small textile-export enterprise. The 13 workers who met the inclusion criteria were found by screening with a risk matrix of WMSDs and had a risk outcome of WMSDs which was at least at the moderate level (level 3 from five levels). The participants were subjected to an ergonomics program according to the risk levels of WMSDs and the effectiveness was measured by individual comparison between before and after the ergonomics program intervention, which consisted of 1) ergonomics training for improving work posture by using guidance with brochures for self-practice; and 2) using equipment designed for improving workstations, i.e., a chair and footstool designed for the sewing section, and foot support designed for the hand weaving section and quality control section. After ergonomics management implementation, the discomfort scores of workers significantly decreased and the scores of WMSDs risk significantly decreased (p-value <0.001). Therefore, these ergonomics management measures, which could be used as a guideline to reduce WMSDs risk among textile workers, suggest that the organization follows up with long-term screening and surveillance of musculoskeletal diseases to enable industrial workers to work efficiently.