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Evaluation of the Impact of Engineering Ergonomic Interventions on Musculoskeletal Hazards and Psychosocial Factors Among Packaging Workers in a Food Factory
Abdulrahman M Basahel
Pages - 1 - 17     |    Revised - 31-03-2016     |    Published - 30-04-2016
Volume - 6   Issue - 1    |    Publication Date - April 2016  Table of Contents
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KEYWORDS
Ergonomics Interventions, Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Psychosocial Aspects.
ABSTRACT
Improper work-system designs and physical demands lead to awkward postures in packaging workers in food factories, particularly with tasks that require a high instance of repetitive motions (e.g., assembly), which causes musculoskeletal disorders and affects psychosocial factors in the workplace. This study aimed to determine the effect of ergonomic engineering interventions on musculoskeletal risks and psychosocial factors among packaging workers in a food factory in Saudi Arabia. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) were used to examine musculoskeletal risks and psychosocial aspects, respectively among 52 male workers which were divided into intervention group control group. Two evaluation periods were used after implemented the interventions (3 months and 6 months post-intervention). The results showed that the engineering ergonomic interventions significantly decreased the musculoskeletal risks at neck, shoulders, upper back and lower back of workers in both evaluation periods at 3 months and 6 months post-intervention. The intervention improved only three aspects in JCQ: decision latitude, physical job demand and psychological job demands before and post-intervention.
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Dr. Abdulrahman M Basahel
Faculty of Engineering/Department of Industrial Engineering King Abdulaziz University - Saudi Arabia
ambasahel@kau.edu.sa


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