Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Background and Objectives: Considering that musculoskeletal disorders and occupational stress are one of the most important reasons for disability, physical and mental problems in the staff, the study of their causes is of great importance. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between ergonomic risk level and job stress in employees of a food production plant. 
Methods: This was a descriptive-analytic research. It was carried out for a sample of 200 employees in the production and packaging of a food production plant in 2018. The QEC method was used to determine the ergonomic risk level and the OSPU questionnaire was used to measure occupational stress. Descriptive and inferential statistics (T and F tests) were used to analyze the data. 
Results: The findings showed that the level of ergonomic risk in the neck, shoulders and wrists is in the unfavorable situation. Workstations will need to be repaired in the near future. There is a significant relationship between the level of ergonomic risk and the demographic variables of gender and education with job stress.  
Conclusion: Unfavorable ergonomic status of workstations in the food factory has increased the worker’s stress in the manufacturing and packaging sectors. Therefore, proper design of workstations and consideration of ergonomic principles are effective in improving the physical and mental health of employees. 
 

Background and Objectivse: The employees of an industrial sector, especially the food industry, tackle many problems due to their type of job. Among these staff, non-standard working postures is known as a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders affect the function and self-efficacy of these people and ultimately leads to a reduction in their performance. Therefore, in this case, research entitled: Study of risk factors of the ergonomic work environment and its relation with self-efficacy and job performance of employees of the food industry has been done.
Methods: A total of 202 people were selected as the sample group using a random sampling method. Then they completed the research questionnaires. The research tools consisted of Paterson's job performance questionnaire, Scherer general self-efficacy, Key Indicator method and a five-point body map questionnaire for assessing body organs discomfort and prevalence. Data was analyzed using SPSS 19.
Results: There was a significant difference between the level of risk of musculoskeletal disorders and their job performance and between the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. The lower back showed the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. There was a significant difference between the levels of risk of musculoskeletal disorders with job performance and also between musculoskeletal disorders with job performance and self-efficacy. The results showed a positive and significant relationship between job performance and self-efficacy.
Conclusion: The results indicated the role of self-efficacy in preventing behaviors that lead to exacerbation of musculoskeletal disorders. This will ultimately be reflected in their job performance and both the individual and the organization concerned. Also, employing high self-efficacy staff can improve work performance and productivity and contribute to better production processes.