Introduction:
Musculoskeletal disorders are major concerns of the modern world due to their
effect on the physical health and productivity of the workforce. More extensive
research is therefore required to identify and prevent these injuries and
control the risk factors causing their development.
Materials and Methods: The present
study uses a theoretical model of ergonomic interventions to examine and
improve ergonomic conditions in an automobile spare part manufacturing plant. A
total of 44 employees were selected through simple random sampling and
according to the Morgan table from the 50 personnel working at the plant. The
Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and the review of ergonomics tips
inventory were used to identify the ergonomic risk factors. Based on the
theoretical model used in the research, the ergonomic intervention was
performed in two stages.
Findings: In
the macro stage of the ergonomic intervention, 7 goals were set and 13
ergonomic recommendations were made in the form of several workshops and task
forces. In the micro stage of the ergonomic intervention, 20 ergonomic risk
factors were identified and 13 strategies and plans were suggested. With the
senior manager's approval, 11 strategies entered the implementation stage with
the aim of improving ergonomic conditions and increasing productivity at the
workplace.
Conclusion: The
main outcome of the comprehensive ergonomic interventions performed in the
present study was a modified organizational culture, entailing both direct and
indirect benefits, such as providing low-cost or no-cost solutions to the
problems, creating an active environment of continuous improvement, increasing
employees' motivation for participation and being innovative in solving the
problems, increasing the inclination among the employees to be an innovative
thinker, improving communication between the authorities and the personnel and
increasing the employees' general knowledge and capabilities.
