Non-ergonomic work postures have been found to significantly increase the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among workshop workers at PT Bangun Energi Pusaka Indonesia (PT BEPI) in Bandung. The findings were revealed in a study conducted by Syukur Pardamean, Edison C. Sembiring, Soehatman Ramli, and Fauziah Eddyono from Sahid University. The research was published in the April 2026 edition of the Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS).
The study highlighted the high risk of musculoskeletal disorders among industrial workers performing repetitive physical activities such as heavy lifting, bending, prolonged standing, and working in unnatural body positions. These conditions can trigger pain in muscles, joints, ligaments, and the spine, ultimately reducing productivity and work efficiency.
According to data cited in the study, musculoskeletal disorders remain one of the most common occupational diseases worldwide. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reported rising cases of MSDs across many countries, while the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies lower back pain as one of the leading causes of global disability.
Within PT BEPI’s workshop operations, MSD risks were identified in various activities including manual lifting of heavy equipment, maintenance work, and office tasks involving poor sitting posture. One of the activities specifically highlighted in the study was the repeated lifting of lubricators and other heavy tools using hazardous body positions.
The research used a quantitative observational approach involving 10 workshop workers at PT BEPI. Researchers applied the Nordic Body Map (NBM) method to identify body pain complaints and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method to evaluate ergonomic risks related to work posture.
The findings showed that most workers fell into medium to very high-risk categories for MSDs. Based on REBA measurements:
- 20 percent of workers were categorized as medium risk and required ergonomic attention.
- 50 percent of workers were classified as high risk and required urgent intervention.
- 30 percent of workers were categorized as very high risk and required immediate corrective action.
The study also found a very strong relationship between work posture and MSD complaints. The Pearson correlation value reached 0.941 with a significance level of 0.000, indicating that the poorer the worker’s posture, the higher the likelihood of experiencing musculoskeletal complaints.
In addition to work posture, the study analyzed several individual factors influencing MSD risks, including age, length of service, smoking habits, and exercise habits.
Researchers found that age did not have a statistically significant relationship with MSD complaints. However, workers with longer years of service tended to experience accumulated physical stress caused by prolonged exposure to repetitive work activities.
Smoking habits also did not show a statistically significant relationship with MSD complaints among PT BEPI workers. Nevertheless, the study emphasized that smoking can reduce lung capacity and accelerate muscle fatigue, potentially worsening workers’ physical conditions.
The most influential factor aside from work posture was exercise habits. The research found that workers who exercised regularly had lower risks of MSD complaints. A correlation value of 0.476 with a significance level of 0.002 indicated that routine physical activity could improve muscle strength, body flexibility, and workers’ physical endurance.
Results from the Nordic Body Map assessment also showed that:
- 70 percent of workers were categorized as having low complaint levels.
- 30 percent of workers were categorized as having moderate complaint levels and required preventive measures.
According to Syukur Pardamean and the research team, companies should strengthen ergonomic implementation in the workplace through proper posture training, lifting assistance devices, ergonomic workstation designs, and employee fitness and health programs.
The study is considered important because it demonstrates that musculoskeletal disorders not only affect worker health but also influence overall productivity and operational efficiency. By improving ergonomics and implementing preventive measures early, companies can reduce workplace injuries while improving industrial working conditions.
Author Profiles
- Syukur Pardamean - Sahid University
- Edison C. Sembiring- Sahid University
- Soehatman Ramli- Sahid University
- Fauziah Eddyono- Sahid University
Research Source
Pardamean, Syukur, Sembiring, Edison C., Ramli, Soehatman, & Eddyono, Fauziah. The Relationship Between Work Posture and Individual Factors to Complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in Workers at the Work Workshop of PT Bepi Bandung. Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS), Vol. 4 No. 5, April 2026, pp. 357–376.
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