Evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders through loading postural upper body assessment method in household appliances production companies in Tehran, Iran, in 2014

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the upper limbs are the most common occupational diseases and injuries and one of the causes of disability in workers. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of MSDs and the risk of these disorders using the loading postural upper body assessment (LUBA) method. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 100 male workers of appliance manufacturing industry. The study population included 15 workers of the foam injection workshop, 17 of the molding workshop, 17 operators of Press, 17 of the packaging, 17 of the cutting unit, and 17 of rivets. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was completed by the participants for the wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck, and back and their working postures were recorded through photography and observation. Then, The analysis and evaluation of the desired posture was performed using the LUBA method. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: NMQ results revealed that the highest rate of disorders was observed in the wrist (37%), neck (35%), and shoulder (30%), respectively. Moreover, ANOVA showed that age and work experience had significant correlation with prevalence of MSDs (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). The results of the LUBA method showed that the highest level of risk was associated with the rivet unit (risk level 4) and the lowest level of risk with the foam injection unit (risk level 2). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that household appliances production workers, due to the nature of their occupations, are at risk of MSDs. Therefore, ergonomic interventions such as work station design based on ergonomic principles, the use of ergonomically designed tools, and training of workers about the work are necessary.