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Ergonomic Risk Assessment during an Informal Hand-Made Cookware Operation: Extending an Existing Model

Author

Listed:
  • Busisiwe Shezi

    (Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
    Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa)

  • Renee A. Street

    (Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban 4000, South Africa
    Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa)

  • Angela Mathee

    (Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
    Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
    Department of Environmental Health, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6000, South Africa)

  • Nokulunga Cele

    (Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban 4000, South Africa)

  • Sipho Ndabandaba

    (Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban 4000, South Africa)

  • Rajen N. Naidoo

    (Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa)

Abstract

The work conducted in the informal sector is highly variable within and between days. Characterizing ergonomic exposures remains a challenge because of unstructured work settings and schedules. The existing ergonomic risk assessment tools have been widely used in formal work settings with a narrow range of exposure, and for predefined tasks that primarily constitute a daily routine. There is limited information in the literature on how they have been applied in informal workplaces. The aim of this study was to extend an existing risk assessment tool and to evaluate the applicability of the extended tool by assessing ergonomic exposure related to hand-made cookware operations. Eighteen hand-made cookware makers were recruited from six sites. A walkthrough risk assessment questionnaire was used to collect information on workers, tasks, work stations and workplace structures. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) screening tool was extended by including duration and vibration. An action priority matrix was used to guide intervention. According to the RULA action levels, the workers required investigation and changes soon, and immediate investigation and changes. The use of an action priority matrix was appropriate, and indicated that all the workers assessed were within the high to very high exposure domain and required immediate corrective measures. The methodology used proved to be an effective and reliable strategy for identifying ergonomic exposure among hand-made cookware makers.

Suggested Citation

  • Busisiwe Shezi & Renee A. Street & Angela Mathee & Nokulunga Cele & Sipho Ndabandaba & Rajen N. Naidoo, 2021. "Ergonomic Risk Assessment during an Informal Hand-Made Cookware Operation: Extending an Existing Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-17, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:18:p:9459-:d:631249
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Busisiwe Shezi & Angela Mathee & Nokulunga Cele & Sipho Ndabandaba & Renee A. Street, 2020. "Occupational Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter (PM 4 and PM 2.5 ) during Hand-Made Cookware Operation: Personal, Indoor and Outdoor Levels," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-13, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Muhammad Mohsin & Hengbin Yin & Weilun Huang & Shijun Zhang & Luyao Zhang & Ana Mehak, 2022. "Evaluation of Occupational Health Risk Management and Performance in China: A Case Study of Gas Station Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-22, March.

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