Investigation of the impact of adjustable workstations on ergonomic performance and worker health in furniture assembly
2025
Olcay Polat | Abdullah Cemil İlçe | Kadir Özkaya
The objective of this study is to ascertain the impact of workbench height on the reduction of physical strain experienced by workers in the furniture industry. The research comprises three distinct phases, to be conducted within a furniture factory setting. The initial phase of the study entails the administration of a comprehensive questionnaire to all production units, with the objective of assessing the degree of physical strain experienced by workers. In the second phase, the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ) and the Rapid Whole-body Assessment (REBA) method were employed in conjunction with one another, with due consideration given to the findings of the preceding phase. This phase was specifically designed to facilitate a comparison between employees who utilize height-adjustable desks and those who do not. The third phase saw the strategic application of the REBA analysis to assembly and final inspection areas that had been identified as hotspots for musculoskeletal disorders complaints. This targeted approach provides a detailed understanding of the ergonomic dynamics of assembly processes, particularly in areas of increased physical strain. The results of these three phases collectively highlight a significant finding: the correlation between worker orientation and workbench height emerges as a crucial ergonomic factor. Adjusting this correlation can play a pivotal role in preventing the onset of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly in occupations involving significant physical exertion.
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