Development of an Ergonomic Problem-Solving Model to Prevent Work-Related Injuries Among Professionals in Workplaces in Loei Province

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major health problem among workers, especially in jobs involving prolonged standing and repetitive postures.

The objectives to investigate MSD situations, develop an ergonomic problem-solving model, and evaluate its outcomes among workers in Loei Province.

This research and development study comprised four stages: situation analysis, model development, implementation, and evaluation. As a preliminary validation of the model, the implementation stage used a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design with a purposive sample of 21 employees in a selected establishment, over three months (October–December 2025). The model's core component was a 10-posture muscle-stretching program using a traditional Thai cloth (Phakhaoma), combined with ergonomics training, participatory leadership, and weekly supervision. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test.

All workers (100%) reported MSD symptoms in the preceding 12 months, most commonly in the shoulder (42.86%). After the program, workers meeting the knowledge criterion rose from 4.76% to 80.95% (t = 8.519); mean muscle-fatigue score (NRS) decreased from 2.19 to 1.09 (t = 4.914); and good-to-excellent physical fitness increased from 42.86% to 95.24% (t = 3.988). All outcomes were statistically significant (p < .001), and 90.48% reported high-to-highest satisfaction.

The Phakhaoma-based ergonomic model appears to improve knowledge, reduce fatigue, enhance physical fitness, and achieve high satisfaction, and is culturally appropriate. As these are preliminary findings, larger-scale confirmation is warranted before wide application.