Ergonomics evaluation of training activities postures in engineering workshop at Vocational Training Centre

This paper presents a detailed study to evaluate awkward postures of trainees when conducting practical training activities in engineering workshops at Vocational Training Centre (VTC). The awkward postures contribute to uncomfortable conditions and may cause musculoskeletal injuries. Subjects of the study are vocational training (VT) trainees selected from various engineering workshops to identify their posture conditions during their practical training sessions. These selected trainees are males and the average age is 19 years old. Physical observation using digital camera was used to identify the awkward postures during these activities and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) technique was used to determine the level of ergonomic risk due to these awkward postures. Based on the observation and assessment, evidences showed that the trainees are exposed to ergonomic risks with 40% and 60% of the activities at high and medium level respectively. There is a high probability of causing musculoskeletal problems and relevant solutions can be introduced to reduce ergonomics hazard for practical training activities.