Musculoskeletal Disorders and Work Stress among Employee in Steel Roll Roof Forming Industry, Thailand

Abstract

           This study was a cross – sectional study which aimed to investigate the perception of musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs) and work stress among 97 workers in the steel roll roof forming industry. Data were collected by
using an interviewed questionnaire for information of demographic and work characteristics, work stress and MSDs.
The body area, severity and the frequency of pain complaint were considered for the perception MSDs. Work
stress was identified when the Subjective Workload Index; SWI > 3. The results showed that most workers were
male (97.9%), average age was 34.6 years. Work experience average ranged from 5 to 10 years, job position in
operator was 73.2%. The predominantly areas of symptoms perception at moderate to severe level were found
on the lower back (33.0 %), followed by feet & ankles (26.8%), and shoulder (25.8%), respectively. Most workers
had frequency of pain perception as 1-2 times a week (47.4%) and 3-4 times a week (30.9%), respectively. The top
three highest risk areas of MSDs at up to high level were predominantly located on lower back (18.6%), shoulders
and feet & ankles at the same rate (12.4%). Another significant finding was that 50.5% of workers had the high
level of work stress (SWI >3). The findings of this study showed that the high prevalence of lower back foot andankle
pain and shoulder pain among workers in the steel roll roof forming industry and high work stress was identified
as well, therefore the further study should be investigated of the risk factors associated with MSDs and risk
assessment on musculoskeletal disorders for ergonomics improvement program in steel roll roof forming.