Ergonomic evaluation of exposure to musculoskeletal disorders risk factors by Quick Exposure Check (QEC) technique in a metal structure manufacturing factory

Musculoskeletal disorders have devoted a high percentage of occupational injuries and is one of the leading causes of occupational injuries and disabilities in industrialized and developing countries. The aims of this study were to evaluate exposure of musculoskeletal disorders risk factors by quick exposure check (QEC) technique and to determine prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their risk factors. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 male workers from a metal structure manufacturing factory that was selected by census method. Data were collected using demographic and Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) and QEC (Quick Exposure Check) form. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 16. The level of significance was set at P < 0/05.

The means of age and job tenure in subjects were 32.17±5.81 and 9.02±5.88 years, respectively. Prevalence of WMSDs in the last 12 months was 53/5%. The results indicated that WMSDs risk level among studied workers was high. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant association between age, BMI and QEC risk level of musculoskeletal disorders occurrence.

based on the findings of the present study, risk level and prevalence of WMSDs were high among the workers which had significant correlation. According to the results of this study and regression modeling, it is essential to identify WMSDs contributory factors and implement ergonomic solutions to reduce or eliminate risk of disorders.