Working condition improvement through participatory ergonmics approach for reducing low back risk among rubber sheet peeling workers in a rubber smoking factory, Chanthaburi province
Abstract:
The rubber sheet peeling task had a high risk of ergonomic hazard due to long standing, bending, twisting, and prolong exertion.
The objective of this quasi experimental research was to reduce lower back risk by using participatory ergonomics among the rubber peeling workers in a rubber factory. The 26 subjects were selected based on the inclusion criteria. The data were collected by Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), a lower back pain questionnaire, and electromyography (EMG).
The results revealed that the work improvement could be implemented by participatory ergonomics which included rearrangement on the rubber sheet based on the stickyness, adjustment of the rubber sheet stacking height, cutting of the sticky rubber sheet laterally, working in pairs, increasing the length and adjusting the hook handle and moving the pallet to the lateral side of the workers.
The lower back risk assessed by REBA, and the pain score decreased significantly
(p = .000 and.034 respectively). The average myeoelectric activity (Expressed as %MVC) of the right latissimus dorsi and the left erector spinae decreased significantly (p < .05).
This study is the basis for other processed rubber sheets or establishments with similar problematic characteristics The format is used to improve work conditions to reduce the risk of ergonomics.