The Assessment of Ergonomics Risk on Upper Limb Disorders among Electronic Workers

Abstract

Background and Objective: Upper limb disorders are musculoskeletal health problem among Thai workforce, particularly workers in production process of manufacturing. This study therefore aimed to assess ergonomics risk among electronic workers.

Methods: This survey study included 196 electronic workers. The postural workload was assessed by using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and lighting intensity and sound level at workstations were measured.

Results: The results showed that, among 196 electric workers, the standing and sitting postures comprised of 95 and 101 workers, respectively. The lighting intensities and sound levels were under controlling standard of the ministry of Labor, Thailand. The ergonomics assessment by RULA indicated that the group of standing posture with repetitive movement of upper limbs had score of high risk at level 4 (implemented change immediately), particularly, punching and adhesive laminate process. The group of sitting posture for inspection had score of risk at level 3 (more assessment and implemented change soon) both inspection with lamp and inspection with microscope.

Conclusion: This study found the very high ergonomics risk level by RULA among standing workers with immediately change needed and at high risk level with sooner change needed in sitting for inspection. The suggestion is that there should be improvement of workstation and management of break time for both standing and sitting work or promoting of more dynamic working posture in order to prevent upper limb disorders and chronic back pain among electronic workers.