Assessing and improving work postures in the manufacturing industry to mitigate musculoskeletal disorders using rapid upper limb assessment (RULA)

Manufacturing industries often encounter issues related to Musculoskeletal Disorders due to non-ergonomic work postures. This condition leads to fatigue, long-term injuries, and decreased worker productivity. Addressing poor work postures is crucial for creating a healthier and more efficient work environment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risks of musculoskeletal disorders caused by non-ergonomic work postures in manufacturing industries and to develop effective ergonomic solutions to mitigate these risks. This study applies the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method to assess work postures. Data on worker postures were collected, analyzed, and scored using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment to identify ergonomic risk levels and provide recommendations for posture improvements. The analysis of worker positions and movements during material lifting in manufacturing industries using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method resulted in a score of 7 (red), indicating the need for immediate investigation and correction. After implementing assistive device design, the final score improved to 2 (green), demonstrating that the intervention was effective in reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders and making the workers movements acceptable. The findings of this study suggest that the use of assistive devices can significantly reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in workers. Ergonomic design improvements not only enhance comfort and safety but also have the potential to increase productivity and work efficiency in manufacturing industries.