Comparison of Ergonomic Training and Knee Pad Using Effects on the Saffron Pickers Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Saffron picking is the job that capable to create a field for musculoskeletal disorders due to inappropriate working positions such as bending, kneeling and pressure that imposed to the body in these positions. The purpose of this study was compare two methods contain knee pad and training pamphlet application to prevent and reduce musculoskeletal disorders in saffron pickers. This survey was randomized clinical trial with register number IRCT2012100811043N1. Samples included 60 persons of saffron picker workers. Sampling was random & easy and used tools were including REBA, Body Discomfort Chart (BDC). During the saffron harvest before intervention take code to parts of workers bodies based on the REBA method. Workers discomfort levels were determined by BDC questionnaire. These steps are repeated after the intervention. Then the data entered into SPSS software version 16 and data analysis were performed with statistical tests (Mann–Whitney and t-test). BDC questionnaire analysis indicated a significant effect on the knee discomfort after knee pad using (P = 0.0004). But in the upper back (P = 0.27) and lower back discomfort (P = 0.12) had no significant effect. Also, REBA analysis results indicate a significant impact of the training pamphlet intervention on the scores: A (P = 0.025), C (P = 0.027) and final (P = 0.028). But no significant effect on B table scores (P = 1.000). According to the results, the effect of training pamphlets was higher than kneepad using. Probably, both interventional methods can be appropriate methods to prevent and reduce knee and trunk discomforts of saffron pickers.