Improving Work Posture to Reduce the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Bus Drivers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province
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Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and assess the risk associated with work postures, including recommendations for improving them to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among 72 bus drivers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Data were collected using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: frequency, proportion, percentage, mean, and standard deviation (SD). The results showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the past 7 days and 12 months were 88.89% and 94.67%, respectively. The most common body parts were lower back, hip/thigh, and upper back. For the RULA method, most of them had a risk score of 2, indicating that further study and continuous monitoring are recommended. Redesigning certain work tasks may be necessary. For the comparison of scores before and after improving working postures, it was found that prior to the intervention, 3 people had a risk level score of 3, indicating that the work was becoming problematic and required prompt study and improvement. After improving the work posture, the risk level score had improved to level 2. Currently, research on occupational hygiene related to long-term driving remains limited. In order to prevent diseases caused by prolonged driving, it is necessary to establish standardized sitting postures or equipment adjustments for each vehicle.
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