Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Brick Workers

Abstract

The brick-making industry is an industry with rough work that relies on the physical strength of its workers. The posture of workers when carrying out the work process is often not ergonomic, so workers are at risk of experiencing musculoskeletal disorders and discomfort due to posture when doing work that is not ergonomic and heavy physical workload because it is done manually relying on strength. This study was conducted to determine the description of MSDs complaints experienced by brickmakers and the factors influencing them. This study is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional design. Conducted from March to September 2024, with the research location in Sarilamak Village, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra. The study population was all workers, totaling 76 people in 35 brick production sites; the number of samples was 66 workers. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires and weight and height measuring instruments. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis. The study shows that 80.3% of brick workers experience high-risk MSDs complaints. The body parts most complained about by workers during and after work are the waist, back, and calves. There is no relationship between age (p-value = 0.512), work period (p-value = 0.799), BMI (p-value = 0.191), work posture (p-value = 0.713), and workload (p-value = 0.517) with MSDs complaints in brick workers. There is no relationship between age, length of service, BMI, work posture, and workload with MSD complaints in brick workers. Business owners are expected to provide workers with ergonomic work equipment and help them improve their body position while working.