Entire body assessment to quantify ergonomic risk among mechanics / Nurul Shamira Napiah

This study conducted purposely to determine the level of ergonomic risk among mechanics working in workshops, and its relation with the health effect present, particularly those related to Musculoskeletal Disorders. The determination of ergonomic risk conducted using Rapid Entire Body Assessment to determine the level of the risk. Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires utilized in order to get the response from the study population regarding their health. For REBA Action Level which represent the level of ergonomic risk shows that over 50% of the study population were classified under Level 4. While 30 % falls under Level 3, and another 1.7% contribution from Level 2 category. There was none recorded for Level 5. A significant correlation proved using statistical analysis between REBA Action Level with the rate of illness, lost working time and the period of having MSDs symptoms, with r-value of 0.791, 0.654, and 0.541 respectively and p-value less than 0.05. For the body part which is the most affected due to the working nature, a significant response received showing that the lower back has become the body part which is the most affected. While fair response received for hand and wrist and neck, 48% and 43% respectively. The least number of responses was for elbow, while none is having problem with their ankle and finger. It can be concluded that mechanics were a group of workers who are at all time facing a significant level of the ergonomic risk, where this risk has a correlation with tthe health that may give an impact to them. Low back has become the most affected body part due since that the working nature of a mechanic requiring them to frequently apply poor ergonomic practices.