Assessment of Risk Factors and the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders by QEC and Body Map Operational Units of the Gas Refinery in Iran and Its Meta-Reflection

This study aims to evaluate the risk factors and the prevalence of WMSDs disorders using QEC and Body Map techniques in operational units took a gas refineries and its Meta-Reflection.
This case study assessed 254 operators in three distinct phases. First, 72 workstation posture was evaluated by using of QEC. Secondly was intended for employees of WMSDs were assessed using by Body Map. After conducting interview with relevant directors, the effectiveness of such studies has been analyzed through Meta-Reflection.
Based on results came from QEC survey, the operators’ average scores was 53/8%. Moreover, results of Body Map assessment showed that the highest organs of WMSDs were back and knee extrusions (47% and 46% respectively). Also, lack of ergonomics policy and plan within refinery has demonstrated by interviews. Meta-Reflection, on the other hand, showed that because of incomplete learning cycles in the above mentioned surveys which only provide WMSDs’ status, workstations’ ergonomics condition, and introduce expert based solutions. Thus, such surveys not only have incomplete study plan, but also have less impact on improving overall health, safety and ergonomics within this organization.
This research proves that non-ergonomic conditions result in awkward postures and subsequent physical disorders. Overall, this study has showed a gap from this kind of the work in the learning cycles at organizational levels, a trend should be considered to interactive research work on the workplaces with improved and promoted system ergonomics attitude.