Track: Human Factors and Ergonomics

Abstract

This paper aims to redesign the facilities and workstations of public school canteen in the Philippines by applying the principles of Ergonomics. Previous studies have proven that workers in the canteen are exposed to musculoskeletal disorders and injuries due poor facility layout and workstation design. Review of related literature states that improper arrangement of tables and seats cause congestion and irrational spacing (Ismael, 2011), poor design of physical environment such as ventilation, lighting and noise can cause discomfort, annoyance and dissatisfaction (Niu, et al., 2011), and improper design of workstation wherein repetitive work activities are performed lead to muscle fatigue and stress (Sripaiboonkij & Taptakarnporn, 2014). Thus, the researchers aim to assess the current condition of the public school canteen in the Philippines in order to determine the risk and exposure of the workers to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and injuries. The researchers also aim to identify significant factors in the design of canteen that affect the discomfort level of workers in terms of the following: personal factor, physical factors and task-related factor. Key findings from the study revealed that workers in the canteen experience pain and discomfort in the neck, upper back, shoulder, lower back, upper arm, hips/buttocks and lower leg. Similarly, result of rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and NIOSH lifting equation proved that workers are exposed to risk of MSD due to their poor working posture and repetitive work activities. Risk factors identified in the study were further treated and analyzed using regression analysis. The result revealed that factors such height, body-mass index, temperature, lifting posture, and work posture significantly affect the risk and exposure of workers to MSD. Given these conditions, the researchers were able to redesign the facilities and workstation of public school canteen by applying the principles of ergonomics, quality function deployment (QFD) and systematic layout planning (SLP) tools.