Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk Assessment in Serviceman Workers of a Petrochemical Company

Ergonomic risk factors are one of the main factors in the occurrence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). The serviceman workers are exposed to various health and safety risk factors during their activities. This study aimed to assess the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in serviceman workers of a Petrochemical company.

Method and Instruments:

 In this descriptive cross sectional study, first, the posture of 106 serviceman workers were assessed using REBA method. Then, the prevalence of WMSDs symptom was investigated using Nordic Questionnaire (NQ). The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software using statistical Chi-square test.

Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) score for serviceman workers involved in insulation, electrical and Instrumentation related work was 11, 12 and 13 (high risk) respectively. The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reported in the lower back and knees. Significant relationship (p <0. 05) was observed between work experience and disorders symptom in knee.

This study showed high prevalence of WMSDs symptom in study population, especially in their waist and knee. Moreover, it was indicated that the working conditions of serviceman workers needs to be improved. Training the workers to identify the risk factors and use proper ergonomic principles and procedures is recommended.