ERGONOMIC RISKS AND WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG PROVINCIAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY HIGH VOLTAGE LINEMEN, EASTERN REGION, THAILAND
Keywords:
Ergonomics, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, high voltage linemenAbstract
Electricity authority employees who work in high voltage linemen are personnel working to install and fix the electrical systems that supply to enterprises and households, which are at risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) due to exertion at risky postures. This study aimed to study the ergonomic risk and WMSDs in 50 employees of the Eastern Provincial Electricity Authority. Data were collected by using an ergonomic risk factor assessment form with observation of posture and the self-assessment of musculoskeletal disorders severity and frequency in 10 body regions. The result found that operating with high voltage electric manlift vehicle and with pole climbing had moderate risk (score of 3) in the forearm/elbow area, high risk (score of 4) in shoulders, hands/wrists, and pole climbers were also at high risk in the back. The most perceived discomfort in the musculoskeletal disorders were the lower back, foot and ankle, knee, and upper back, respectively. The results can lead to further investigation of the risk factors of working posture using manlift vehicle in high-voltage electrical system workers and to be used as a work procedure standard subsequently prevention of WMSDs.
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