Ergonomic evaluation of exposure to risk Factors of musculoskeletal disorders in Cement factory by QEC technique

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders occur due to cumulative destruction of the tissue, tendons and the joints. To prevent these injuries requires both assessing and improving working conditions. The aim of this study, performed in 2012, was to assess musculoskeletal disorders risk Factors arising from work conditions. To do this, QEC method has been used. In this descriptive-sectional study, 12 job posts and, in sum, 162 workers were selected as the sample. In order to assess the level of the risk of being afflicted by muscular-skeletal disorders, QEC method has been used, and the data collected were analyzed through either SPSS-16 and the T-test, ANOVA and X2 are analyzed. The average of age, years of service, and BMI for the subjects being studied were 37.03 +7.22 years, 12.14+ 6.53years, and 26.22+ 3.88 respectively. The highest percentage and mean of exposure score relate to waist and its related organs (33.3% and very high (41-56)), the wrist/hand (32/7% and the high (31-40)), shoulder and the arm (32.7% and very high (41-56)), neck (40.7% and the average (8-10)) respectively. And the whole body (39.5% and at the 4th level of risk being more than 70%) which needs immediate reformatory measures. The findings of X2 Test showed that there is a significant relationship between the levels of total risk of QEC and the level of exposure to the risk in four areas of the body (neck, waist, shoulders/arms, and wrists/hands) within the society (P<0.05). Discussion & Improper posture of the body, redundant movements, vibration, stress, and so on enhance the risk of muscular-skeletal disorders in the industry being studied. Ergonomic interventions in sections having a high risk level are required.