The relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal pains and the lighting in carpet weaving workshops among female carpet weavers in Bijar Township

• Main Authors: Rostam Golmohammadi, Homeira Alizadeh, Majid Motamedzade, Alireza Soltanian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Science 2017-01-01
• Series: طب کار
• Subjects: general lighting; local lighting; musculoskeletal pain; carpet weavers
• Online Access: http://tkj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-692-en.html
• ISSN: 2251-7189; 2251-8274

Introduction: Ergonomic problems and inadequate lighting are the causes of increased prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. The present study was conducted to evaluate lighting in carpet weaving workshops in Bijar and its association with musculoskeletal pain among female carpet weavers. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 104 Carpet weaving workshops were randomly selected with 180 carpet weavers. Illuminance was measured based on the models presented in Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) using a Hagner luxmeter in 76 cm height from the ground. Local illuminance was measured in horizontal and vertical weaving level. By using body map and pain scale, site of pain and pain severity during the last three months were gathered. RULA method was used to evaluate weavers work posture. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 and statistical analysis was performed applying linear and logistic regression models. Results: Results revealed that only daily working hours were associated with musculoskeletal pain severity in carpet weavers (P=0.023). The average of artificial and minimum of local illuminance in horizontal and vertical weaving level (‏P<0.05) had a significant relationship with posture. Conclusion: There was no direct significant relationship between general and local illuminance with musculoskeletal pain and its severity. Considering statistical correlation between poor lighting and awkward posture, it seems reforming artificial and using local lighting systems in workshops can improve posture and consequently prevent musculoskeletal disorders caused by poor lighting.