Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 11(3), pp. 351 - 358
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110309
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Factors Associated with Ergonomic Risk among Informal Workers in the Northeast of Thailand

Laksanee Boonkhao ^1,*, Supakan Kantow ², Nittaya Kunhayat ¹, Nipaporn Boonkla ¹, Pongsak Rattanachaikunsopon ^3
1 College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University, Thailand
² School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand
³ Department of Biological Science, Ubon Ratchathani University, Thailand

ABSTRACT

Several poorly controlled occupational hazards, such as ergonomic issues, are present in informal workers. This research aimed to investigate ergonomic risk factors among informal workers who are handwoven cotton weavers in the Northeast of Thailand (Khemarat District). Ergonomic risks were analyzed among 34 weavers. The Rapid Upper Limp Assessment (RULA) was used to measure work posture, and a questionnaire was utilized to gather data on the workers' personal characteristics and work-related information. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; percentage and inferential statistics using Fisher's exact test at the 95% confidence level. The findings showed that handwoven cotton weavers were exposed to a level 4 ergonomic risk (50.00%), with weaving and cotton planting accounting for 32.36% and 8.82% of that exposure, respectively. The types of tasks and working hours were found to be related to the level of ergonomic risks, with statistically significant p-values of 0.001 and 0.014, respectively. It is crucial for relevant agencies to concentrate on addressing ergonomic concerns for informal workers. Weaving groups, who collaborate to revive and carry on the forgotten craft of Ikat Khemarat weaving, should also be encouraged to promote healthy sleep and exercise habits.

KEYWORDS
Ergonomics, Weavers, Informal Workers, Rapid Upper Limp Assessment (RULA)

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Laksanee Boonkhao , Supakan Kantow , Nittaya Kunhayat , Nipaporn Boonkla , Pongsak Rattanachaikunsopon , "Factors Associated with Ergonomic Risk among Informal Workers in the Northeast of Thailand," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 351 - 358, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110309.

(b). APA Format:
Laksanee Boonkhao , Supakan Kantow , Nittaya Kunhayat , Nipaporn Boonkla , Pongsak Rattanachaikunsopon (2023). Factors Associated with Ergonomic Risk among Informal Workers in the Northeast of Thailand. Universal Journal of Public Health, 11(3), 351 - 358. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110309.