Ergonomics risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort among offshore support vessel deck and engine crews

Abstract

One of the industries that make a huge return in Malaysia's economy is the oil and gas industry, but it is also one of the highest risk industries. This study was conducted to assess the daily risk associated with the ergonomics hazards often encountered by general workers and engineers on board and its contribution to the health of the employees. The study specified food and provision loading activities on the deck area. Data was collected and analyzed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) standard method and Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) calculations by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Malaysia. The risk obtained were compared by using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). The result shows that the most affected body area was the crew's upper body part. These were due to the crews' distance at least 30 meters with loads from lorry to galley. A recommendation was made to mitigate the risk.