Ergonomics risk factors at manufacturing industry: a prelude study

Abstract

Manufacturing industry has been recognized as a vital contributor to nation economy as it offers enormous job opportunities to local and foreign workers. In recognition the importance of manufacturing industry, workplaces should be designed ergonomically so that workers could perform jobs in a healthy working environment. The objectives of the current study are to identify ergonomics risk factors present in the workplaces and propose a solution to minimize the risk of occupational injuries. The objectives were achieved through an ergonomics survey conducted in a metal stamping company that utilized questionnaire and video recording to reveal the real situation. Based on the survey, there were evident that workers have been exposed to ergonomics risk factors associated with awkward working posture. Working posture assessment has been performed and redesign of workstation was proposed as a control measure to minimize occupational injuries associated with awkward working posture. The study concluded that the redesign of the workstation has shown a potential solution for a safe working posture.