An evaluation of work posture by REBA: A case study in maintenance department

Abstract

Eight maintenance workers have to fix 22 broken machines per day on average located on the floor. Workers have to work in a way to bend their back to repair the machine and workers always pick up the equipment from the toolbox placed on the floor. These working postures can risk health problems. The healthy survey showed that workers have lower back pain problems are 4.30 on average. The result from REBA showed the average score up to 12.16, which was a high-risk criterion. This study aims to improve working posture by designing new ergonomic tools. This study has designed a toolbox shelf and a chair with a tray on which tools can be placed. After a -1- month trial, the health survey showed that the lower back pain score reduced to 2.46 on average and the REBA assessment score reduced to 2.83 on averages which is a significant risk reduction.