ASSESSMENT OF ERGONOMIC RISK AFFECTING THE OCCURRENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT STATION DRIVERS, PHON THONG DISTRICT,ROI ET PROVINCE

Abstract

          This study is a cross-sectional survey study by purposive sampling of 30 public bus drivers to assess ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at public transport station, Phon Thong District, Roi Et Province. Data were collected by using the self-ergonomics risk factors assessment (SERFA) for risk assessment and the MSDs severity and frequency questionnaire (MSFQ) and the occupational risk assessment matrix on MSDs.  Separated by type of vehicle, the assessment of ergonomic risks from the working posture of public transport drivers found that 53.33% of workers were at medium risk and 46.67% were at high risk and the risk level from MSDs showed that most public transport drivers were at a high MSDs risk level, accounting for 56.67%, and followed by a very high risk level (36.67%) and moderate risk level (6.67%). Considering the types of automobile, a very high ergonomics risk was in bus drivers for 60.00%, followed the high risk for 30.00% of van driver, and public transport driver was at very high risk of 20.00%. Considering the body position, the highest risk was found in public transport drivers at the torso, hips, ankles, and arm to wrist. From the above assessment, it is indicated that public transport drivers must have measures to control, prevent MSDs. Therefore, there should be a change in working posture by providing knowledge about working postures according to ergonomic principles and workstations should be improved to be more appropriate.