Musculoskeletal Disorders among employees in automotive industry in Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are occupational diseases that are most common in automotive industry workers. The cause of Musculoskeletal disorders is mainly due to ergonomic factors. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors with musculoskeletal disorders among employees in the automotive industry. The sample in this study was 75workers, including production workers and office workers undergoing physical therapy treatment clinic area inside the factory. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts, Personal information, Working characteristics and Musculoskeletal disorders. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, Chi-square.

                        The results showed that most production workers are jobs with awkward posture and lifting more than 10 kilograms. Most of the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders are lower back areas (65.4%). Most office workers use the computer, and most of the symptoms of the musculoskeletal disorders are neck area (51.4%), and the pain scale was moderate. Furthermore, the correlation test showed that the pain scale was related to exercise, and the pain scale was related to body mass index.

                        In conclusion, this study revealed ergonomics risk factors and personal factors. It is a contributing factor to causing musculoskeletal disorders in employees. Therefore, organizations should use the information obtained to develop, plan, treat, and prevent employees' diseases. Organize activities that promote education about exercise and eating to lead to safer work and better working posture to increase employees' good health and safety status.