THE MATRIX OF RISK ASSESSMENT ON WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS OF PERSONEL AND ILLUMINATION IN OPERATING ROOM OF CHAIYAPHUM HOSPITAL

Abstract

          This cross-sectional study aimed to assess health risk by risk matrix of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among operating personnel and illumination at workstations in operating room of a hospital. Data were collected by the self-assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders Severity and Frequency Questionnaire (MSFQ). Ergonomics risk assessment applied from Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) for the standing posture and sitting posture assessment, respectively. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) risk was assessed by the MSDs risk-matrix combining levels of musculoskeletal discomfort and ergonomics risk levels of the working posture. Lighting intensity was measured by the spot measurement at operating workstations. The results showed that among nurses, practical nurses, nurse aid, surgical staff, and general staff who had participated in the study showed the highest level of body discomfort on the shoulders (14.7%) and lower back (14.7%), followed by the knees (13.23%), and the lower arms, feet, and ankles (8.82% each), respectively. Ergonomics risk assessed in standing posture were mostly at moderate risk level (42.65.%). Ergonomics risk measured in sitting posture were mostly at moderate risk (48.53%), and ergonomic risk assessment by REBA and RULA had good linearity and significant correlation. The matrix of WMSDs risk assessment from this study using data from self-assessment of discomfort and the postural risk observation revealed that almost health workers were in the very high risk (51.47%). The body parts with the highest risk of MSDs were the upper back, lower back, neck, shoulders, knees, and calves respectively. The results of the measurement of lighting intensity in 11 operating rooms showed that only 72.73% of the measured values in area 1 met established standards. In contrast, areas 2 and 3 had all measured illumination values met the standards. Most operating room personnel had a high risk of MSDs, therefore, there should be providing education on ergonomic principles, and arranged time to rest or arrange for their workplace to have a sit-stand seat available for personnel who had prolong operation to prevent the effects of work-related MSDs, and managing lighting in the eye focusing area working to meet standards to ensure safety in the workplace.