Solutions to decrease ergonomic problems. A case study: Pathumthani Province in Thailand

Abstract

This research focused on analyzing ergonomics problem in selected chemical fertilizer manufacturing based in Pathumthani Province in Thailand and proposed a solution to decrease employees’ ergonomic problem. There is musculoskeletal fatigue and body discomfort that directly caused to employees’ sick leave from inappropriate posture and overweighed carrying at the rate 4.75 days/year. In addition, from researcher’s observation at site and assessment by leveraging REBA assessment techniques and Snook table, musculoskeletal fatigue and body discomfort problems were obviously found. It is noted that the researcher found risk score at 12 from REBA assessment and the lifting weight was 10 times higher than acceptable Snook’s table level. Therefore, researcher proposed to improve ergonomics problem by proposing a solution which are modified the lifting posture and designed tool to assist employees. The proposed lifting and delivery cart was used to align to the researcher’s recommended modified employees’ posture; employees’ ergonomics problem were relieved. It is important to note that the ergonomics problem was at the acceptable rate by both REBA assessment and Snook Table.