ABSTRACT

Objective : Using a work sampling technique and cross-section analysis, this study was performed in order to analyze the risk level of musculoskeletal disorders for workers engaged in the manufacturing industry. Methods : Using a self-entering mode questionnaire, the study was conducted to survey the musculoskeletal disorders of 29 workers at an automative component factory. The extent of the musculoskeletal disorders of the workers was classified into basis 1(KOSHA), basis 2(NIOSH), and basis 3 (labor scientific research institute of Incheon university). And the risk levels of the musculoskeletal disorders were evaluated using OWAS, RULA, and REBA for each work posture, extracting 1 cut per 1 sec, based on the work sampling technique, after having photographed the work processes of the individual workers with a high performance camera. Results : The number of workers who complained of pain in one or more parts of their body were 24 persons (82.8%) in basis 1, 22 persons (75.9%) in basis 2, and 19 persons (65.5%) in basis 3. As a result of having analyzed the musculoskeletal disorders, OWAS was in risk level 4 in a cross-section analysis (inflicted with severe musculoskeletal disorders), and as for the work sampling technique, the workers in risk level 2 (inflicted with milder musculoskeletal disorders) were 3 persons. Also, the workers whose work sampling of risk level had been 3 (continuous observation and fast work improvement were required) while their cross-section analysis for RULA was at risk level 4 (precision survey and immediate improvement were required) were 2 persons, while in REBA, the workers whose work sampling risk level was 2 (risk was normal) while their cross-section analysis risk levels were 3 (risk was high) were analyzed as 3 persons. The consistencies of the work sampling and cross-section analysis in the high-risk group and the low-risk group are as follows; OWAS (Kappa=.4423), RULA (Kappa=.4938), and REBA (Kappa=.5193). Conclusion : The results showed that this study may be used to analyze the exposure risk level to the musculoskeletal disorders of workers using a work sampling technique, and it has been confirmed as a trusted method in selecting the workers who require a preferential improvement of their work environment.