Determining the ergonomic risk factors affecting the musculoskeletal disorders of traffic enforcers in Manila City, Philippines

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Gumasing, Ma. Janice J.^a | Prasetyo, Yogi Tri^{b; c; *} | Cardoso, Mateus Moreira^a | Freitas, Januário Sebastião^a | Nadlifatin, Reny^d | Chuenyindee, Thanatorn^e

Affiliations: [a] School of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Mapúa University, Manila, Philippines | International Bachelor Program in Engineering, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li, Taiwan | [c] Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li, Taiwan | [d] Department of Information Systems, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS Sukolilo, Surabaya, Indonesia | [e] Department of Industrial Engineering and Aviation Management, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Air Force Academy, Bangkok, Thailand

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Yogi Tri Prasetyo. E-mail: yogi.tri.prasetyo@saturn.yzu.edu.tw.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Traffic enforcers are vulnerable to work accidents, injuries, and illnesses because they are commonly exposed to ergonomic risk factors while performing their tasks. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of environmental risk factors and postural risk factor to the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among traffic enforcers in Manila City, Philippines using binary logistic regression analysis. METHODS:A total of 120 participants were included in the study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were utilized. In addition, several devices such as a noise dosimeter, digital air thermometer, and IAQ sensors were also utilized to measure the environmental exposure of enforcers during their work shift. RESULTS:The prevalence of MSDs among traffic enforcers was high, with 71% of the respondents reporting symptoms of MSDs in more than one part of the body for the past 7 days. The body part that has highest prevalence was upper back, followed by lower back, and legs/ankles. Logistic regression analysis revealed that awkward work posture (OR = 4.61, 95% CI = 2.17, 9.83), noise exposure (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.82), heat exposure (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.85, 1.05), and pollution exposure (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.85, 1.05) were significant contributors for the prevalence of MSDs among traffic enforcers in Manila City. CONCLUSION:The prevalence of MSDs among traffic enforcers is caused by their work posture and exposure to psychosocial factors such as noise, heat, and poor air quality. Thus, to minimize the risk of MSDs, it is suggested to provide administrative controls, such as job rotation or shifting, and introduce frequent rest breaks. It is also recommended to provide enforcers with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as cooling vests, noise-canceling earplugs and N95 facemasks. This would help in uplifting musculoskeletal health for traffic enforcers and other workers in a similar field.

Keywords: Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Rapid Entire Body Assessment, personal protective equipment, logistic regression, ergonomic risk factors, health, traffic

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220011

Journal: Work, vol. 75, no. 2, pp. 603-614, 2023