Effect of an Ergonomic Intervention on Reduction of Musculoskeletal Disorders; A case study on employees of Bandar Abbas zinc Production Company

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal discomfort is one of the most important causes of occupational injury and disability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic intervention in order to reduce them.

Methods: This analytic-descriptive study was conducted on 116 employees of Bandar Abbas Zinc Production Company. The Nordic questionnaire and QEC method were used to collect data before and after the interventions. An intervention program was conducted to reduce the workers' load weight, change their work level height, job rotation, and training. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS 23.

Results: During the last year, the highest frequency of musculoskeletal disorders were 65.52% in the lower limbs, 43.10% in the shoulder, and 43.10% in the knees. According to Cochran test, a significant difference was found between the discomfort before and after the intervention in the organs.

Conclusion: The results revealed a significant reduction in musculoskeletal discomfort 3 months after the intervention. As a result, it can be deduced that integrated use of engineering and management interventions in a simple, practical, and cost-effective manner can reduce these diseases. Furthermore, continuous monitoring over appropriate implementation of these interventions over a long period of time along with commitment of the management and employee participation may  reduce the musculoskeletal disorders.