Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 14(1), pp. 166 - 177
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140117
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The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Factors Associated with High Ergonomic Risk Levels in the Oil and Gas Industry in Eastern Thailand

Phatchupha Huaychan ¹, Chananya Jirapornkul ^2,3, Chalermsiri Theppitak ⁴, Yuparat Limmongkon ^3,5,*
1 Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
² Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
³ Occupational Health Safety and Environmental Epidemiology Group (OHSEE), Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
⁴ School of Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand
⁵ Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Thailand

ABSTRACT

Workers in the oil and gas industry face limited protection from ergonomic-related injuries that are caused by repetitive tasks, computer work, and awkward body positions. This study aimed to assess the ergonomic risks, determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and identify the factors associated with high ergonomic risk levels among employees in large firms in Eastern Thailand. This cross-sectional analytical study assessed the ergonomic risks and MSDs among 955 employees in large firms in Eastern Thailand. The data were collected using REBA, ROSA, and the Standard Nordic Questionnaire. REBA indicated that all warehouse employees were at moderate risk (100%), while ROSA revealed high risk levels among all computer workers in the maintenance and warehouse departments (100%). The prevalence of MSDs was highest in the neck, reported by 63.6% in the past 7 days and 95.0% over a 12-month period. Multivariate analysis identified the following significant risk factors for high ergonomic levels: 1) being female (AOR = 7.72, 95% CI: 4.27–13.97), 2) being single (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.04–4.85), 3) holding a bachelor's degree or higher (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.03–2.41), 4) being an office or laboratory staff member compared to production workers (AOR = 14.11, 95% CI: 9.13–21.79), 5) not regularly using PPE (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.16–2.71), 6) experiencing a high level of work stress (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.07–2.33), and 7) having recent hip/thigh symptoms (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.58–5.63). These findings underscore the critical need for employers and policymakers to implement integrated ergonomic interventions, including workstation redesign and stress management programs, to mitigate MSD risks in the Thai oil and gas sector.

KEYWORDS
Ergonomics Risk Assessment, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Oil and Gas Industry, REBA, ROSA

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Phatchupha Huaychan , Chananya Jirapornkul , Chalermsiri Theppitak , Yuparat Limmongkon , "The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Factors Associated with High Ergonomic Risk Levels in the Oil and Gas Industry in Eastern Thailand," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 166 - 177, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140117.

(b). APA Format:
Phatchupha Huaychan , Chananya Jirapornkul , Chalermsiri Theppitak , Yuparat Limmongkon (2026). The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Factors Associated with High Ergonomic Risk Levels in the Oil and Gas Industry in Eastern Thailand. Universal Journal of Public Health, 14(1), 166 - 177. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140117.