THE STUDY OF ERGONOMICS TO REDUCE RISK OF WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG MAIZE FARMERS IN LAMPANG PROVINCE

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study ergonomics to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDS) occurred among maize farmers in Lampang province. Subjects (n=320) came from stratified random sampling. The research measures used in this study included risk assessment form for WMDS and focus group discussion were used to guideline. The descriptive statistics were used to carry out the analyses. The results of the study showed that the highest level of WMDS risks was in the process of harvesting maize. By this, 93.13% was the working postures, ways of exerting force and inappropriate ways of stretching limbs. This followed by 86.25% which came from the ways of repeatedly using hands and arms. The assessment results, using RULA techniques, showed that the average score was 7. This indicated that the ergonomic problem must be improved. The participatory ergonomics approach to solve this problem consists of four processes: 1) training, 2) hazards identification 3) risk reduction, and   4) improvement. During this study, all the processes were carried out by the farmers. In addition, they have suggested the methods of reducing WMDS risks in both management and raising awareness for farmers to be able to independently learn and find methods of reducing risks under an appropriate circumstance.