Uluslararası bir üretim firmasında kas-iskelet sistemi bozukluklarında hızlı tüm vücut değerlendirme yöntemi ile risk değerlendirmesi

Occupational diseases and disorders are among major common problems in society. Today, work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are important health problems and represent the majority of occupational pathologies. MSDs result in work restrictions, decrease in quantity and quality of work, productivity, quality of life, and increase in loss of working time, wage compensations and medical expenses. Uncomfortable working postures cause MSDs by increasing biomechanical overload in the different body regions, and consequently increase work accidents. Therefore, analysis of the postural attitudes of the employees during the interaction with working environment is crucial in prevention of ergonomic risks caused by biomechanical overload. This study aims to examine the risk factors of MSDs associated with different work postures of the employees in an international manufacturing firm by using ergonomic evaluation criteria. To this aim, the risky production divisions of the firm are determined by a survey firstly. Then, risk levels of the tasks for the selected production divisions are measured by using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, which is a common ergonomic tool used to facilitate the measurement and evaluation of whole-body postural risks associated with job tasks. The analysis reveal that some employees adopted unfavorable working postures making them susceptible to moderate to high risk of future musculoskeletal disorders. The measures to be taken towards proper working are suggested to the management of the firm.