SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT REVIEW

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG PARA RUBBER TAPPERS IN SONGKHLA PROVINCE

2025-03-29T14:49:29+07:00

This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted to assess the occupational health risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among 298 para rubber tappers. The assessment utilized the Farmers Ergonomics Risk Assessment (FERA) tool to evaluate work posture-related ergonomic risks, the Musculoskeletal Severity and Frequency questionnaire (MSFQ) for self-assessment of symptom severity and frequency, and an occupational health risk assessment matrix for musculoskeletal disorders. The MSFQ results indicated that the highest level of discomfort was reported at the knees (16.11%), followed by the lower back (15.10%) and shoulders (8.73%). The FERA assessment showed that most farmers had work postures classified as very high risk (57.72%), followed by high risk (39.93%). The occupational health risk assessment for MSDs revealed that farmers were at a moderate risk level (60.07%), followed by very high risk (26.85%) and high risk (13.09%). Considering different body regions, the study found that farmers experienced musculoskeletal disorder risks at moderate levels or higher, with the highest risk identified in the lower back (54.03%), followed by the knees (53.69%) and shoulders (41.61%). The findings suggest the need for preventive measures, impact reduction strategies, and monitoring of MSDs among farmers by adjusting their working postures correctly and health promoting by muscles stretching, and exercise for MSDs prevention.

NU'CARE: A PARTICIPATORY OCCUPATIONAL ERGONOMICS PROGRAM FOR OPERATING ROOM NURSES

2025-06-07T08:36:47+07:00

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have become the most common work-related health issue in the present time. This study aimed to develop a risk reduction program for operating room nurses by applying the principles of participatory ergonomics. This research and development program design was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 involved studying the program model, which consisted of two steps: (1) analyzing occupational health problems among operating room nurses, and (2) reviewing ergonomic intervention studies. Phase 2 focused on designing an ergonomic program. Phase 3 involved evaluating the feasibility of program implementation. The results revealed that the developed program, based on participatory ergonomics, comprised seven steps: (1) collecting ergonomic risk data, (2) analyzing ergonomic risk problems, (3) promoting ergonomic work practices, (4) designing ergonomic problem prevention strategies, (5) establishing management approaches and goals for ergonomic risk reduction, (6) implementation, and (7) monitoring issues. The results, based on consensus among participants showed agreement on several key aspects: (1) promoting ergonomic practices through patient lifting/moving assistance and taking breaks during surgeries lasting over an hour, (2) the structure for ergonomic risk prevention and reduction, (3) program content including scheduled stretching breaks with point-based incentives, and (4) the use of clear, easy-to-understand visual materials that are practically applicable. The stretching schedule and supporting materials were refined for clarity. An expertise review agreement also suggested that program activities were appropriate for the target group, namely “NU'care: A Participatory Occupational Ergonomics Program “and recommended risk-based grouping, with a focus on high-risk individuals to prevent and risk reducing of musculoskeletal disorders. However, further studies are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in reducing musculoskeletal disorders among operating room nurses.

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF HEARING LOSS AMONG WORKERS EXPOSED TO NOISE COMBINED WITH TOLUENE AND XYLENE IN SAMUT PRAKAN PROVINCE, THAILAND

2025-05-14T10:21:01+07:00

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of hearing loss among 93 workers exposed to noise levels ≥85 dBA and ototoxic chemicals. Data were collected through interviews, noise exposure assessments, air sampling for the evaluation of toluene and xylene exposure, and audiometric testing. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were used for data analysis. The results revealed a hearing loss prevalence of 54.8%. Factors that are significantly associated with hearing loss include age >35 years (p<0.01, OR=3.294), alcohol consumption (p<0.05, OR=0.403), use of hearing protection devices (p<0.05, OR=0.163), and exposure to toluene and xylene (p<0.001, OR=6.345). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that workers aged >35 years had a 4.8 times higher risk of hearing loss compared to younger workers (p<0.05, aOR=4.785), while exposure to toluene and xylene at levels >0.5 OEL (mixture) increased the risk by 8.2 times (p<0.001, aOR=8.266). These findings suggest that co-exposure to ototoxic chemicals and high noise levels may contribute to a higher risk of hearing loss. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness and promote proper preventive measures among industrial facilities and workers to mitigate the hazards associated with combined chemical and noise exposure.

CARBON FOOTPRINTS ORGANIZATION FOR ELECTRIC INSPECTION SYSTEM: CASE STUDY THERMO TRACER CO.,LTD

2025-04-28T16:40:24+07:00

This research aims to study the greenhouse gas emissions from the inspection and certification processes of electrical safety systems and electrical appliances, and to develop strategies for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of Thermo Tracer Co., Ltd. The research applies SWOT analysis, with internal factors assessed using the 7S tool and external factors assessed using the PESTEL tool and to know the employees' attitudes towards measures to support, promote and solve the greenhouse gas emission reduction. The study period spans from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, with the carbon footprint calculated in terms of ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), following the organizational carbon footprint assessment guidelines of the Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization). These guidelines consist of three categories: Category 1 Direct greenhouse gas emissions, Category 2 Indirect greenhouse gas emissions, and Category 3 Other indirect greenhouse gas emissions. The study results show that Thermo Tracer Co., Ltd.'s total greenhouse gas emissions are 167.9 tCO2e per year, with the largest emissions coming from the commuting activities of employees between their residences and the office, accounting for 69.19 tCO2e or 41.21% of the total emissions. Therefore, the approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions consists of two main measures: the first is support and promotion to increase the installation of solar energy systems (Solar Cells) in office buildings, and the second is participation in activities with both public and private sectors, such as Green Technology (GT), Green Industrial (GI), or other activities that promote measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED TYPES OF CULTIVATION ON MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG AGRICULTURISTS IN CENTRAL NORTHEASTERN OF THAILAND

2025-04-19T09:17:26+07:00

This cross-sectional descriptive study was aimed to study the prevalence and associated types of cultivation on musculoskeletal disorders among agriculturists in central northeastern of Thailand. The online musculoskeletal severity and frequency questionnaire (MSFQ) was used. The discomfort level was categorized into 5 levels (no discomfort, slight, moderate, very severe, and intolerable). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test. In the results, 448 agriculturists found that most were female (59.38%), had an average age (±standard deviation) of 57.22 (±9.58). The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the past month was found to be 66.52 percent (95%CI = 61.94-70.88). Most agriculturists experienced mild discomfort (39.51%), which was highest in the lower back (15.40%), followed by knees/calves (14.29%) and shoulders (12.50%), respectively. Age and cultivation type were significantly related to discomfort in farmers (p-value <0.001). Therefore, surveillance of musculoskeletal disorders should be monitored and appropriate preventive measures according to the risk factors of each cultivation, especially in elderly farmers.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS WITH WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION FROM THE SEAT OF FORKLIFT DRIVERS IN A WAREHOUSE DEPARTMENT IN CHACHOENGSAO PROVINCE

2025-05-30T19:12:22+07:00

The objective of this study was to investigate the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in forklift drivers, and to study the association between whole-body vibration while driving a forklift and musculoskeletal disorders. This was a cross-sectional analysis study. The Musculoskeletal Symptom Severity and Frequency Questionnaire (MSFQ) was used to collect data, as well as three whole-body vibration measures of forklift drivers at work and take the vibration meter values to assess the results. The results of the study found that the musculoskeletal disorders, considering the severity of moderate or higher of forklift drivers, discovered that the majority of employees had symptoms of abnormal musculoskeletal system from discomfort in the lower back, which ranked first at 47.06 %t, followed by feet and ankles at 29.41 %, and upper back and calves at 23.53 %. Personal factors, specifically gender and body mass index (BMI), were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in forklift drivers in the warehouse department (p-value <0.05). The results of the study found that the measured whole-body vibration was not a direct cause with statistical significance (p-value<0.05) that affects the Musculoskeletal disorders of forklift drivers. However, the small sample size may have limited the study's ability to detect an association. There are many more factors that could affect the study. As a result, in order to conduct future research, it is required to investigate other factors that may influence overall body vibration.

SELF-ERGONOMIC RISK FACTOR ASSESSMENT (SERFA) AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER HEALTH RISK IN TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS IN PATHUM THANI PROVINCE

2025-05-30T18:55:39+07:00

This study employed a cross-sectional survey research design to assess ergonomic risks among 41 truck drivers from a logistics company in Pathum Thani Province. The study aimed to evaluate ergonomic risk, mental workload, and musculoskeletal discomfort among these drivers. Data collection instruments included a personal information questionnaire, the Self Ergonomic Risk Factor Assessment (SERFA), and the Musculoskeletal Severity and Frequency Questionnaire (MSFQ). The SERFA and MSFQ results were integrated into a matrix to assess the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, considering both probability (ergonomic risk level) and severity (perceived discomfort level). Additionally, the Subjective Workload Index (SWI) was used to evaluate mental workload. The study findings indicate that the majority of the drivers were male, had over 10 years of driving experience, and worked more than 8 hours per day. Over the past month, a significant portion of the drivers reported moderate to high levels of overall physical discomfort, with the lower back being the most frequently reported area (48.78%), followed by the calves (34.15%), feet and ankles (31.71%), and neck. The SERFA results revealed that most drivers (70.73%) were in the very high ergonomic risk category, with the remaining (29.27%) in the high-risk category. Specifically, the neck (51.22%) and trunk (51.22%) exhibited the highest risk levels. Overall health risk was also found to be very high for the majority of drivers. Regarding workload-related stress, most drivers (60.00%) experienced moderate stress levels. The findings collectively suggest that these truck drivers are facing high levels of ergonomic risk and stress. This highlights the critical need for proactive management and appropriate preventative measures to mitigate long-term physical and mental health issues within this occupational group.

LEARNING OUTCOMES IN ACTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING MANAGEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COURSES AMONG STUDENTS OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, YEAR 2 OF THE ACADEMIC 2024, THAKSIN UNIVERSITY

2025-04-02T10:05:30+07:00

This study is semi-experimental research. It is done according to the one-group pretest-posttest design research. The objectives were 1) to study the behavior, participation, responsibility, and interest in studying environmental health courses, 2) to compare the pretest -and post-test scores based on the learning outcomes, and 3) to compare the learning outcomes between second-year students in the academic year 1/2024 and second-year students in the academic year 1/2023 in the Occupational Health and Safety Program, Thaksin University. The study period was 16 May 2024 – 31 October 2024. The sample used in this research was purposively selected, comprising second-year students from the 2024 academic year of the Occupational Health and Safety Program at Thaksin University. Forty-nine students took the environmental health course, using quality assurance tests from the standing committee of the occupational health and safety course. Thaksin University Thaksin University The statistics used were percentage, average, standard deviation, and t-test statistics. The results of the comparison of the pretest-posttest scores showed that the scores related to learning outcomes CLO1, CLO3, and CLO5 showed an upward trend in the academic year 1/2024 compared to those from the academic year 1/2023. Therefore, promoting active teaching and learning management has increased student learning outcomes.