Ergonomics intervention to reduce musculoskeletal disorders: case study in cement company production

Musculoskeletal Disorders )MSDs( are one of the most important factors of occupational injuries and disabilities in workplaces. Back injuries are the most common work-related disorders in different industries. The aim of the present study was ergonomics intervention to reduce these disorders. Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 126 preservation and maintenance workers in a cement company by classification sampling. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, QEC and ergonomics checkpoints were used to collect data before and after the interventions. The interventional program included practical and easy-to-implement solutions for improving safety, health and work conditions, workers’ training, and selective and corrective exercise. Data were analyzed by McNemar’s test using SPSS version 22 software. Results: Data analysis showed a significant difference )P-value > 0.001( between the prevalence of disorders during the one week before and after the interventions. The prevalence of disorders for lower back and knee were 62.70% and 60.32%, which were reduced to 46.03% and 43.65 after the intervention, respectively. conclusions: According to QEC method, 83 maintenance workers )65.87%( were at high risks, and the prevalence of lower back and knee pains was high, that applying simple and inexpensive solutions, participatory solutions of ergonomics checkpoints and selective corrective exercise led to a significant reduction in these disorders. Received: 29.05.2016 Accepted: 04.09.2016