Ergonomics Risk Factors Among Rice Farmers in the Philippines
摘要
This study examines the ergonomic risk factors among rice farmers. It aims to identify the rice farmers’ demographic profile and prevalence of work musculoskeletal disorders among rice farmers, assess the ergonomic risk level experienced by farmers, determine the correlation between the demographic profile and the pain level, and ascertain ergonomic interventions to reduce risk factors for rice farming tasks. Comprehensive ergonomic risk assessments were conducted using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires (NMQ), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires revealed that all participants reported experiencing lower back pain and discomfort within the past 12 months and 7 days (100%); hips were identified as the body areas with the highest pain intensity (8.94). Meanwhile, the REBA score reveals that the task of planting had the highest score of 12; on the other hand, all farming tasks received a score of 7 in RULA, which signifies a very high level of risk. Correlation analysis revealed weak and non-significant associations between pain levels, weight, height, and work duration per day. Age and years of experience, on the other hand, showed a positive relationship and statistically significant correlation with pain levels. The recommended control measures to mitigate ergonomic risk among rice farmers include proposing a job rotation system, administering a training and education program, implementing a tool or equipment modification, and employing safety footwear.