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Volume 13, Issue 1 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2025)
Iran J Ergon 2025, 13(1): 38-47 |
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Faraghati F, Asadollahzadeh M J, Hasani M. Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Urban Train Operators in Mashhad, Iran: A Study Based on the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Method. Iran J Ergon 2025; 13 (1) :38-47
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1078-en.html
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1078-en.html
1- Department of Health, Safety and Environment Engineering, Sha.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran
2- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sha.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran ,Asadollahzadeh@iau.ac.ir
3- Department of Food Science and Technology, Sha.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran
2- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sha.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran ,
3- Department of Food Science and Technology, Sha.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran
Abstract: (1570 Views)
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common occupational health problems, particularly prevalent in driving-related professions. The present study aimed to assess body posture and the risk of developing MSDs among urban train operators in Mashhad, Iran, using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 140 train operators from the Mashhad Urban Railway in Iran were randomly selected. Demographic information and the prevalence of MSDs were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and postural assessment was performed using the REBA method. Statistical analysis was conducted using parametric (independent samples t-test) and non-parametric (chi-square) tests.
Results: According to the findings, 87.1% of participants reported musculoskeletal complaints in at least one body region. The most commonly affected areas were the neck (60%), lower back (57.1%), and upper back (33.6%). The results related to REBA indicated that 71.4% of operators were in the medium-risk category. There was a significant association between MSDs and body mass index (BMI), as well as years of work experience (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of MSDs and the medium level of postural risk among train operators, ergonomic interventions and training on proper working posture are strongly recommended to improve occupational health in this group.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 140 train operators from the Mashhad Urban Railway in Iran were randomly selected. Demographic information and the prevalence of MSDs were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and postural assessment was performed using the REBA method. Statistical analysis was conducted using parametric (independent samples t-test) and non-parametric (chi-square) tests.
Results: According to the findings, 87.1% of participants reported musculoskeletal complaints in at least one body region. The most commonly affected areas were the neck (60%), lower back (57.1%), and upper back (33.6%). The results related to REBA indicated that 71.4% of operators were in the medium-risk category. There was a significant association between MSDs and body mass index (BMI), as well as years of work experience (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of MSDs and the medium level of postural risk among train operators, ergonomic interventions and training on proper working posture are strongly recommended to improve occupational health in this group.
Keywords: Ergonomic assessment, Musculoskeletal disorders, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Train operator
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Received: 2025/03/13 | Accepted: 2025/05/31 | ePublished: 2025/05/31
Received: 2025/03/13 | Accepted: 2025/05/31 | ePublished: 2025/05/31
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