Track: Human Factors and Ergonomics

Abstract

This paper aims to assess the biomechanical risks involved in the lifting tasks of workers in the logistics industry in the Philippines. Previous studies have proved that workers in the logistics industry are exposed to occupational risks of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and injuries due to the nature of their job. Workers in the logistics industry commonly employ heavy manual tasks that involve lifting, pulling and pushing; that can become hazardous and could cause significant and even irreversible injuries and disorders. Based on studies, several factors can contribute to the risks of workers such as repetitive movement, sustained force, awkward posture and weight of object being lifted to name a few. According to OSHA, the best and most effective way to eliminate or minimize the risk of MSD and injuries is to consider manual task hazards and risk during the design and planning stage of a workplace or a job. During this stage, hazards and risks can be eliminated before they are introduced into a workplace. Given these conditions, the authors intend to identify significant factors that contribute to the occupational risks of workers while performing lifting task in order to develop a mitigation plan that will help eliminate MSD and injuries of the workers. Key findings from the study revealed that workers experience MSD and injury in their lower back, upper back, hips/thigh, shoulder and wrist. 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 correlation and regression analysis. The result revealed that factors such age, body-mass index, frequency of lift, weight lifted, lifting posture and duration of lifts significantly affect the risk and exposure of workers to MSD and work injury. The identified factors serve as the basis for the researchers to develop risk mitigation plan to minimize the MSD and injuries experienced by workers.