A task analysis of small-scale jewelry craft workers to investigate the effects of work system elements and sitting mobility on body discomfort

Abstract

Jewelry making is a labor-intensive process for which Filipino craft workers are very well known. Jewelry makers are considered as inactive workers and they must sustain contorted sitting posture for long periods. This study aims to investigate the factors of body discomfort by analyzing various ergonomics risk factors present in the workplace. Moreover, the task analysis intends to have a comparative assessment between symptomatic and asymptomatic workers. The methodology consists of Revised Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, Body Discomfort Assessment using Borg’s CR-10 Scale, Video Based Assessment, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Anthropometric and Workplace Design Components direct measurements. In addition, Multiple Linear Regression and Logistic Regression are used for data analysis. The result primarily shows that working height mismatch, sitting posture, working duration and sitting mobility significantly affect the perceived body discomfort. Furthermore, recommendations are made to reduce the risk of developing work-related disorders.