A multicomponent quasi-experimental ergonomic interventional study: long-term parallel four-groups interventions.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Industrial Hygiene

Background:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant health concern for industrial workers, leading to lost workdays and functional disability.
• Foundry industry workers face particular risks for MSDs due to their work environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions in reducing MSDs among foundry workers.
• To assess the impact of these interventions on improving workers' posture.

Main Methods:

• A field study involving 117 male foundry workers divided into four groups: control, ergonomics training, workstation intervention, and combined intervention.
• Data collected at baseline, 6, and 12 months using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) for posture assessment.

Main Results:

• Interventions effectively reduced issues in the shoulder/arm, back, and stress levels, with significant differences observed between groups.
• A notable decrease in QEC and musculoskeletal symptom scores was recorded in the neck, shoulder, lower back, knee, and lower leg regions.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous workstation modification and training interventions demonstrated a superior impact on reducing MSDs and enhancing working posture compared to training alone.
• Ergonomic interventions are crucial for mitigating MSDs and improving occupational health in industrial settings.