Application of Nordic Body Map and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment for Assessing Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A case study in Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

Small Medium Enterprise (SMEs) hold a strategic role in economic activities. Since SMEs contribute in enlivening businesses, it is important to assess the SMEs’ performances. One of the most vital aspects in running SMEs is the workers’ productivity which is very risky of declining performance. This study will assess Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD), one of the workers’ productivity problems. By applying Nordic Body Map (NBM) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), this study aims to assess work-related MSD in a SME. The NBM questionnaire was used to explore the prevalence of MSD and ergonomic risk factors perceived by the operator. Meanwhile RULA analysis was conducted to know the operator's work position score. The RULA assessment resulted 7 in initial scoreof employee's position. This scoreindicated that it immediately required an investigation, further implementation, and changes. From this result, it is necessary to improve a better working position by using a work desk and chair. After the improvement, the RULA score dropped to 3, a good number. The change of operator’s body posture proved that RULA is very important to be further assessed. By doing so, it can be used to offer advice based on ergonomic risk evaluation and expected to increase productivity in SMEs.

Managing ergonomic risk assessment among assembly operators in the small‐scale fabrication sector

“…Table 3 illustrates the REBA and RULA scores for each work task with the risk level that indicates the need for workplace improvement changes to reduce and mitigate the risk of developing WMSDs. The RULA and REBA risk scores and risk levels are adopted from previous studies 9–11 . There are a total of six work tasks, which are cutting, welding, cleaning, drilling, fitting, and assembling as illustrated in Figure 3.…”

“…The RULA and REBA risk scores and risk levels are adopted from previous studies. [9][10][11] There are a total of six work tasks, which are cutting, welding, cleaning, drilling, fitting, and assembling as illustrated in Figure 3. The work task with highlights (cleaning, fitting, and assembling) required ergonomic intervention due to their high-risk score and level for both RULA and REBA.…”

Analysis of Work Posture and Manual Handling on the Material Transport Activities of Indonesian Traditional Market Worker

“…Complaints on the body are examined based on feelings by pointing to the body's position that is experiencing complaints (Thamrin et al, 2021a). The nordic Body Map questionnaire is used by almost every country worldwide (Adiyanto et al, 2022). The Nordic Body Map questionnaire can identify the presence of musculoskeletal disorders as well as the level of complaints felt.…”

Risk Assessment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Printing Workers by Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)

“…[1] Measurement of musculoskeletal-disorders can be divided into: self-report approach, direct measurement and observational method. [5] Nordic Body Map is a commonly used self-report method for measuring complaints felt by the workers. Nordic Body Map questionnaire is a type of ergonomics specification questionnaire frequently used for ascertaining the inconvenience of workforces.…”

“…Nordic Body Map questionnaire is a type of ergonomics specification questionnaire frequently used for ascertaining the inconvenience of workforces. [5] Observation method involves paying close attention to the working posture, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) being one of the popular methods. [5]…”