Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disoders among Heavy Equipment Operators at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Tema

Abstract

Background Generally, heavy equipment operators such as forklifts drivers and cranes operators perform various tasks that expose them to many hazards which may lead to health problems. Whole body vibration, awkward postures, repetitive movement, are some of the hazards that heavy equipment operators are exposed to. Objective Investigations were therefore conducted to access Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among heavy equipment/ machine operators of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) in the Tema metropolis. Method The study adopted a cross-sectional and quantitative data collection approach, using an adapted Nordic musculoskeletal disorder questionnaire and personal interviews. A total number of 100 heavy equipment operators were selected using simple random sampling technique. Generally, the study showed that most of the heavy equipment operators were exposed to numerous hazards at work such as awkward postures, whole-body vibration, prolonged sitting and repetitive motions which might have contributed to the development of the MSDs reported in some of them. Results The results revealed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions was highest for neck pain (42%), upper back pain (40%), lower back pain (55%), hand pain (44%) and pains in the hips and thighs (51%). Also, there was significant association between the musculoskeletal injuries observed among the heavy equipment/ machine operators and the risk factors of the disease (p<0.05). This study also found a significant association between the number of hours spent per session operating heavy machinery and years of employment as a heavy equipment operator and the occurrence of MSDs (p<0.05). Conclusion This study therefore accentuate the need for management to put in place appropriate measures that will help minimize adverse health effects that arise from the operation of heavy equipment by the employees of GPHA. University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh