Ergonomics risk assessment in musculoskeletal disorders among agricultural workers in Selangor agricultural development corporation, Sungai Tengi Selatan, Kuala Kubu Bahru, Selangor, Malaysia: article

Agricultural industry is one of the highest risk sectors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Workers are challenged to use higher force in body demands that place greater muscle exertion to sustain an increased effort during activities. Domestically, only a few published studies have examined the prevalence and determinants of WMSDs on agricultural workers for ergonomics risk assessment (ERA). This cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 agricultural workers to determine the effects of the forceful exertion on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). A Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SNMQ) and Workplace Ergonomics Risk Assessment (WERA) were used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and to identify the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among participants respectively. The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders recorded were particularly neck (30.0 %), followed by shoulders (24.0 %) and upper back (20.0 %). There was a significant relationship between forceful exertion and shoulders pain (χ2 = 7.96, p = 0.02) and upper back pain (χ2 = 7.82, p = 0.02). According to WERA final score, a majority (96.0 %) of the participants were classified under medium risk level (28 to 44) of acquiring musculoskeletal disorders. An immediate investigation is required to improve working conditions for this population.