Risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders from a macro-argonomic perspective using the relative stress index

Abstract

Introduction : Relative stress index (RSI) is one of the macro-ergonomic risk assessment tools which is capable to identify and analyze risk factors associated with the musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders from a macro-ergonomic perspective in workers of an oil refinery company using the relative stress index . Methods : This descriptive-analytical study conducted on all of 172 employees working in 13 different job groups in an oil refinery company. Data were collected by interviews and completing a checklist. Then the RSI and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders were calculated for all jobs. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software and descriptive statistics and ANOVA test. Results : The mean of participants' age was 38±7.3. The results of RSI assessment showed that three occupational groups including welders (RSI=1.63±1/1), metalworkers (RSI=2.01±1.7), and cutters (RSI=2.12±61.6) were in the red or danger zone, five occupational groups were in the yellow or medium danger zone, and five occupational groups were in the green or low risk zone. In addition, there was a significant relationship between the average of RSI and posture, environment, and manual material handling scores (P-Value<0.05). Conclusion : Based on the findings of this study, posture, manual material handling, and the environment are the main risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in oil refinery industries. Therefore, designing for a desired posture, promoting the work environment, and reducing the manual material handing can help to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in oil refinsry ondustries.