1- Department of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Engineering, Mehrarvand Higher Education Institute, Abadan, Iran
2- Department of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Engineering, Mehrarvand Higher Education Institute, Abadan, Iran ,kamai_zahra@yahoo.com
3- Department of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Engineering, Tabnak Higher Education Institute, Lamerd, Iran
2- Department of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Engineering, Mehrarvand Higher Education Institute, Abadan, Iran ,
3- Department of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Engineering, Tabnak Higher Education Institute, Lamerd, Iran
Abstract: (11 Views)
Background and Aim: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most significant occupational health problems in the petrochemical industry, potentially impacting employees’ work ability. This study aimed to assess the risk of MSDs and examine its association with the Work Ability Index (WAI) among employees of a petrochemical complex in western Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 265 employees. Data were collected using the Nordic Questionnaire for MSDs, the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method for assessing postural risk, and the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 with descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation tests.
Findings: The highest prevalence of MSDs was observed in the lumbar, neck, and shoulder regions. More than half of the employees were found to have a good level of WAI. The mean WAI was lower in individuals experiencing pain in most affected areas compared to those without pain, with a significant difference noted for the neck and lumbar regions (P<0.05). QEC assessment revealed that 44.2% of work postures were at Risk Level 3, indicating a need for further investigation and timely corrective actions. While a considerable portion of employees had a good WAI, the high prevalence of MSDs and significant ergonomic risks were evident.
Conclusion: Despite a relatively good work ability level among the majority of employees, the high prevalence of MSDs and significant ergonomic risks highlights the necessity of implementing ergonomic corrective interventions, continuous monitoring, and preventive programs to maintain occupational health and work ability.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 265 employees. Data were collected using the Nordic Questionnaire for MSDs, the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method for assessing postural risk, and the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 with descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation tests.
Findings: The highest prevalence of MSDs was observed in the lumbar, neck, and shoulder regions. More than half of the employees were found to have a good level of WAI. The mean WAI was lower in individuals experiencing pain in most affected areas compared to those without pain, with a significant difference noted for the neck and lumbar regions (P<0.05). QEC assessment revealed that 44.2% of work postures were at Risk Level 3, indicating a need for further investigation and timely corrective actions. While a considerable portion of employees had a good WAI, the high prevalence of MSDs and significant ergonomic risks were evident.
Conclusion: Despite a relatively good work ability level among the majority of employees, the high prevalence of MSDs and significant ergonomic risks highlights the necessity of implementing ergonomic corrective interventions, continuous monitoring, and preventive programs to maintain occupational health and work ability.
Article number: 4
Type of Study: Research Article |
Subject:
Ergonomics
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