Distribution of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), its risk factors and ergonomic risk assessment of pineapple harvesting workers at the selected areas in Johor

ZAININ, NUR ZAINNATUL ASHYIKIN (2020) Distribution of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), its risk factors and ergonomic risk assessment of pineapple harvesting workers at the selected areas in Johor. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Agricultural or farming work is known as challenging occupation in which workers were involved in various work tasks and exposed to health-related problems. Some of the problems were contributed by their working condition such as bringing and lifting heavy loads, repetitive motion, excessive force, prolonged sitting and standing posture and working with the flexed back area. By conducting this research, the degree and magnitude of the exposure to that risk factor could be identified and eliminated in a proper way. Objective: The objectives of this study are a) to determine the sociodemographic distribution of the pineapple harvesting workers b) to determine the distribution of Musculoskeletal Symptom (MSS) among the pineapple harvesting workers c) to assess the ergonomic risk factor based on work process among the harvesting pineapple workers and d) to determine the association between occupational and non-occupational risk factors with MSS among pineapple harvesting workers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the pineapple plantations in Muar and Simpang Renggam,, Johor in February to March 2020. A set of questionnaire including the Standardize Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires was used to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics and MSS of the workers. The ergonomic risk factor was identified and analysed by using the Ergonomic Risk Assessment (ERA) checklist. Result: The distribution of overall MSS reported by the workers is 76.7% (n = 46) by which shoulder part has the highest prevalence (63.3%, n= 38) followed by foot (53.3%, n=32) and lower back (46.7%, n=28). Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) assessment indicates that the workers are exposed to high risk and very high risk for both loading and unloading. According to the Manual Handling Assessment Charts (MAC) assessment, it indicates that the work tasks required actions in the near future. ART assessment for repetitive movement indicates that workers were exposed to high risk level. This study found that workers without previous employment factor (OR: 0.046, 95% CI 0.005-0.391) are less likely to report MSS at lower back. Conclusion: The pineapple harvesting workers without experienced previous employment has less chance of getting lower back pain. The workers have experienced an awkward posture, forceful exertion, repetitive motion and extreme temperature while performing their work tasks. A preventive measure and actions are required in order to minimize workers exposure to risk factors. Keywords: Harvesting, Musculoskeletal Symptoms (MSS), Ergonomic Risk Assessment (ERA)

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2023 01:16
Last Modified:	21 Feb 2023 01:16
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/786

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