PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER IN MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY WORKERS: A CASE STUDY OF LIGNITE POWER PLANT IN LAMPANG PROVINCE THAILAND

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disease among maintenance worker of lignite power plant in Lampang Province, Thailand and to determine the risk factors that associated with MSDs. A cross-sectional study conducted with structured face-to-face interview questionnaire among 317 workers working in maintenance at least 6 months. The prevalence rates of MSDs based on the Nordic Standard Form. Chi-square analysis were used to analyze association between independent and dependent variables with statistical significant of p < 0.05 and odds ratio with 95% CI was applied to explore the risk factors of MSDs. All of the participating workers, 66.4 % reported MSDs in part 12 months and 57.7 % in past 7 days. Association was found between education level (p = 0.01), health problems (p = 0.03), work areas (p = 0.01), and over time (p = 0.01). Postures of trunk slightly flexion (p = 0.02), prone (p = 0.01), stand (p = 0.02), lifted/carried with bend down trunk in light weight (p = 0.034), lifted/carried with bend down trunk in medium weight (p = 0.01) and lifted/carried with upright trunk in light weight (p = 0.03) were significantly with MSDs in past 12 months. Psychosocial exposure result showed the significant difference in changing workplace with MSDs in past 7 days (p = 0.02). The high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder among maintenance workers and exposure to ergonomics factors were found significantly associated to health hazard. Suggestions for appropriated ergonomics design and ergonomics training are required for the maintenance workers.