The association between hand discomfort with work productivity among manufacturing assembly line workers in the automotive industry

Rizzuan, Rizzqin (2024) The association between hand discomfort with work productivity among manufacturing assembly line workers in the automotive industry. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Assembly workers are the workers that actively involve in intensive hand activity during assembly tasks. The repetitive motion of the hand activity has exposed the assembly workers to experience hand discomfort. This hand discomfort significantly results in lost work productivity that was proven by the previous studies. Work productivity can be interpreted as the absenteeism and presenteeism. Functional limitation due to hand discomfort could reduce the workers productivity even though the workers are present at work. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the association between hand discomfort with work productivity among assembly line workers in the automotive industry. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using purposive sampling method were applied which recruited a total of 140 respondents in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to determine the socio-demographic characteristic of the respondents and a validated Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire (CHDQ). Repetitiveness of the hand-based activities were determined using Hand Activity Level (HAL) rating while the grip strength of the hands was measured using Hand Grip Strength (HGS) test in this study. Results: The result showed the highest prevalence of hand discomfort were right thumb (40.0%) and thenar (40.0%). Whereas, the Hand Activity Level (HAL) was (4 ± 2). Hand Grip Strength (HGS) was measured for right and left side of the hands before and after the assembly task. The result obtained were (37.42±6.17), (37.39±7.73), (36.87±6.35) and (36.21±6.79) respectively. Spearman Rank-Order Correlation showed that there was no correlation between HAL with HGS whereas there was a correlation between the hand discomfort and presenteeism (p<0.001). Paired Sample t-Test revealed no significant mean difference between the HGS before and after the assembly task for both hand sides. Discussion: The assembly workers might increase their HGS due to improvement on their muscle strength due to work adaptation. Conclusion: This study reveals a notable prevalence of discomfort in the right hand among assembly workers, significantly contributing to instances of presenteeism. This finding holds theoretical implications regarding the impact of physical discomfort on workplace productivity and practical implications for addressing and mitigating such challenges within assembly line. Keywords: Hand discomfort, work productivity, absenteeism, presenteeism, hand grip strength, hand activity level

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	30 Apr 2025 00:59
Last Modified:	30 Apr 2025 00:59
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2390

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