Foundation for Professional Ergonomics (FPE) Impact Grants provide seed funding for small (pilot) projects that support the development of professional ergonomics worldwide. The two 2024 projects addressed:
- Ergonomic Risk Assessment for Musculoskeletal Disorders among Manufacturing Workers in Malaysia and Thailand.
- Ergonomic Hand Tool for Minimizing Work-related Upper Extremity Symptoms among Cashew Workers in India.
Ergonomic Risk Assessment for Musculoskeletal Disorders
Professor Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin and Professor Dr. Ng Yee Guan (both from Universiti Putra Malaysia), Mr. Kittithat Sudchoo, Professor Sukrit Sangkhano, and Professor Phisit Pouyfung (all three from Walailak University, Thailand completed the study: “Assessing the Ergonomic Risk Assessment for Musculoskeletal Disorders among Manufacturing Workers in Malaysia and Thailand.” The objective was to evaluate the usability of the Malaysian Ergonomics Risk Assessment Tool (ERA 2017) in identifying ergonomics hazards and their association with MSDs within the different manufacturing sector of both countries. The key findings were:
- High prevalence of MSDs among workers .
- Common ergonomics risks identified included awkward postures, repetitive motions, forceful exertion, and static and sustained postures.
- Low usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly in Thailand, where only 2.7% of participants reported using PPE. In contrast, PPE usage was universal in the Malaysian factory studied, specifically earplugs to prevent noise exposure.
- Lack of healthy dietary habits, particularly low consumption of anti-inflammatory beverages, which could potentially mitigate the effects of MSDs.
Manufacturing in Malaysia. Photo credit: Creator: Free Malaysia Today | Credit: Free Malaysia Today; Copyright: © Free Malaysia Today, 2024
The findings underscore the importance of future targeted ergonomics interventions to reduce the prevalence of MSDs among manufacturing workers. The ERA 2017 methodology proved effective in identifying ergonomics risks and possible association them with the occurrence of MSDs, suggesting its broader applicability across different industries and regions. Recommendations include: Implement Ergonomics Interventions; Increase PPE Usage; and Promote Healthy Food Behaviors. The overall recommendation is to use the findings to inform the development of industry-specific guidelines and policies aimed at reducing ergonomics risks in the manufacturing sector.
Ergonomic Hand Tool for Cashew Workers in India
The second FPE Impact Grant was awarded to Professor Mallampalli K. Chaitanya of the Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India for: "Design of Ergonomic Hand Tool for Minimizing Work-related Upper Extremity Symptoms among Cashew Workers in India." The objectives of the project were to assess the prevalence of WMSDs in upper extremities among cashew kernel separating (CKS) workers, and to design and develop an ergonomic hand tool for hand comfort and safety.
The project was conducted in two phases. The main finding of Phase I study was that WMSDs were prevalent among CKS workers. Thus, there is a need to modify current CKS activity to avoid further physical risk. The Phase II study was conducted to design and develop appropriate ergonomic hand tools that would minimize MSDs among CKS workers. A participatory design approach was adopted to develop the ergonomic hand tool prototype, and it was tested on users.
After testing the new ergonomic hand tool, it was found that the awkward posture of the arm and wrist was reduced. Almost all the participants liked the ergonomic hand tool. At the same time, the tool offered to the workers was low-cost and made with locally available materials. Overall, this ergonomic and low-cost hand tool improves the working conditions for CKS workers and benefits small-scale industry owners who cannot afford costly machinery.
On the top, an existing CKS hand tool; on the bottom, a newly developed ergonomic hand tool.