Ergonomic Risk Assessment using Postural Analysis Tools in a Bus Body Building Unit

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) which are related with repetitive and demandingworking conditions continue to represent one of the biggest problems throughout the world.Assessment of exposure levels to MSD risk factors can be an appropriate base for planning and implementing interventional ergonomics programs in theworkplace. The presents study is focused on posture analysis of the workers working in a automotive coach manufacturing company (bus body building) company. The study wasconducted on 38 workers engaged in various process of manufacturing. The different activities of the workers were recorded by Video and still photography, and these images were used for analysis. Posture analysis toolsRULA, REBA and QEC were used. The results of RULA showed that about 31.57% of the workers were under high risk level and needed a necessary action immediately. About 28.95% of the workers were under medium risk levels andabout 28.95% of the workers were at lower risk levels. The results of REBA showed that about26.32% of the workers wereunder very high risk levels and required immediate change. About 23.68% of the workers were at high risk levels and a change is necessary soon, and 42.10% of the workers were at medium risk levels. According to the QEC method of assessment, it was found that 10.53% of the workers needed no corrective measures. About 31.58% of the workers needed further investigation and 34.21% of the workers were at high risk and required immediate change. It can be  concluded that  there are ergonomic deficiencies in the planning and work methods.  A significant proportion of the workers are working inhigh risk postures. Thus the workers are under moderate to high risk of Work-related Musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The study recommended a proper implementation of ergonomics interventions program with awareness and training among workers to reduce the risksof WMSD.

Keywords: Posture analysis, WMSD, bus body building