Reducing Ergonomic Risk and Musculoskeletal Complaints through Participatory Ergonomics in an Informal MSME Food-Processing Enterprise: A Quasi-Experimental Case Study

  • Nana Rahdiana Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Buana Perjuangan Karawang, West Java, Indonesia
  • Afif Hakim Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Buana Perjuangan Karawang, West Java, Indonesia
  • Suryadi Suryadi Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Buana Perjuangan Karawang, West Java, Indonesia
  • Bambang Suhardi Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
  • Jafri Mohd Rohani Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
  • Falahal Majid Faculty of Industrial Technology, Telkom University, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
  • Nindya Fatharani Shafa Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56338/mppki.v9i4.9221
Keywords: Participatory Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Disorder, Ergonomic Risk, Informal Sector, Workplace Intervention

Abstract

Introduction: Informal micro and small-scale enterprises in developing countries frequently operate under suboptimal occupational safety and health conditions, exposing workers to significant ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study examined whether a participatory ergonomics (PE) intervention was associated with reductions in ergonomic risk and musculoskeletal complaints in small-scale milkfish processing enterprises in Indonesia.

Methods: A quasi-experimental, one-group, pretest-posttest design was implemented over three months, involving 12 workers. Ergonomic risk was assessed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), musculoskeletal complaints were evaluated using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and workplace hazards were identified using the ILO-PATRIS checklist with Delphi-based prioritization.

Results: Following the intervention, the mean REBA score decreased from 9.25 (high risk) to 4.75 (moderate-low risk), representing a 48.6% reduction. The prevalence of lower back complaints declined from 91% to 46%, shoulder complaints from 78% to 35%, and wrist complaints from 63% to 28% after the intervention. Perceived work comfort increased by 46.4 percentage points. These changes suggest meaningful ergonomic improvements associated with participatory interventions and low-cost workstation modifications.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that participatory ergonomics may offer a feasible and contextually adaptable strategy for mitigating ergonomic risks and promoting worker well-being in informal MSME food-processing environments.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

  1. Tambunan CR. Kontribusi UMKM dalam perekonomian Indonesia [Internet]. Data dan Publikasi, Kementerian Keuangan RI. 2023 [cited 2025 Jul 1]. Available from: https://djpb.kemenkeu.go.id/kppn/lubuksikaping/id/data-publikasi/artikel/3134-kontribusi-umkm-dalam-perekonomian-indonesia.html
  2. Fauziah A, Viola A, Ardianti AR, Maulida F. Peran UMKM terhadap stabilitas ekonomi indonesia. J Ris Akunt [Internet]. 2024;2(4):81–92. Available from: https://doi.org/10.54066/jura-itb.v2i4.2593
  3. Hermawati S, Lawson G, Sutarto AP. Mapping ergonomics application to improve SMEs working condition in industrially developing countries : a critical review. Ergonomics [Internet]. 2014;57(12):1771–1794. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2014.953213
  4. Sukapto P, Octavia JR, Pundarikasutra PAD, Ariningsih PK, Susanto S. Improving occupational health and safety and in the home-based footwear industry through implementation of ILO-PATRIS, NOSACQ-50 and participatory ergonomics: A case study. Int J Technol [Internet]. 2019;10(5):908–17. Available from: https://doi.org/10.14716/ijtech.v10i5.303
  5. Rathore B, Pundir AK, Iqbal R. Ergonomic risk factors in glass artware industries and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder. Int J Ind Ergon [Internet]. 2020;80(1):103043. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2020.103043
  6. Sain MK, Meena ML. Occupational health and ergonomic intervention in Indian small scale industries: a review. Int J Recent Adv Mech Eng [Internet]. 2016;5(1):13–24. Available from: https://doi.org/10.14810/ijmech.2016.5102
  7. Unnikrishnan S, Iqbal R, Singh A, Nimkar IM. Safety management practices in small and medium enterprises in India. Saf Health Work [Internet]. 2015;6(1):46–55. Available from: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2014.10.006
  8. Burgess-limerick R. Participatory ergonomics: evidence and implementation lessons. Appl Ergon [Internet]. 2018;68(1):289–93. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2017.12.009
  9. Sombatsawat E, Saeng-iam K, Kaewdok T. Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms among women handloom weavers in Lampang Province , Thailand. Clin Epidemiol Glob Heal [Internet]. 2025;34(1):102093. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102093
  10. Pratiwi I, Adhitama T. Ergonomic risk evaluation to minimize musculoskeletal disorders in SMEs leather shoes at Indonesia. J Ilm Tek Ind [Internet]. 2022;21(2):203–12. Available from: https://doi.org/10.23917/jiti.v21i2.19502
  11. Vitrano G, Arena S, Varianou-mikellidou C, Micheli GJL, Sgarbossa F, Boustras G. An exploratory study of workplace occupational safety and health interventions and their impact on productivity and performance in an ageing workforce. Saf Sci [Internet]. 2025;194(1):107031. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2025.107031
  12. Rivilis I, Eerd D Van, Cullen K, Cole DC, Irvin E, Tyson J, et al. Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions on health outcomes : a systematic review. Appl Ergon [Internet]. 2008;39(3):342–58. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2007.08.006
  13. Suhardi B, Citrawati A, Astuti RD, Adiasa I. Proposed improvement of occupational safety health in gamelan wirun palu gongso industry using participatory ergonomics approach. J Technol Oper Manag [Internet]. 2022;17(1):27–38. Available from: https://doi.org/10.32890/jtom2022.17.1.3
  14. Restuputri DP, Huda MC, Mubin A. Work safety aspects using a participatory ergonomic approach. Spektrum Ind [Internet]. 2021;19(1):15–28. Available from: https://doi.org/10.12928/si.v19i1.18112
  15. Bernardes JM, Ruiz-frutos C, Dias A, Renato A. A low cost and efficient participatory ergonomic intervention to reduce the burden of work- related musculoskeletal diseases in an industrially developing country : an experience report. Int J Occup Saf Ergon [Internet]. 2020;27(2):452–459. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2019.1577045
  16. Eerd D Van, Cole D, Theberge N, Village J, Vincent MS, Cullen K. Process and implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions : a systematic review. Ergonomics [Internet]. 2010;53(10):1153–1166. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2010.513452
  17. Krishnanmoorthy G, Rampal S, Karuthan SR, Baharudin F. Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions on work-related musculoskeletal disorders , sick absenteeism , and work performance among nurses : systematic review. JMIR Hum Factors [Internet]. 2025;12:1–19. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2196/68522
  18. Lin S, Tsai CC, Liu X, Wu Z, Zeng X. Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions on musculoskeletal disorders and work ability among young dental professionals: a cluster-randomized controlled trail. J Occup Health [Internet]. 2022;64(1):1–11. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/1348-9585.12330
  19. Candra M, Ginting R, Huda LN. Implementation of macro ergonomic participatory in physical work environment : a literature review. J Sist Tek Ind [Internet]. 2023;25(1):65–73. Available from: https://doi.org/10.32734/jsti.v25i1.9294
  20. Maciejewski ML. Quasi-experimental design. Biostat Epidemiol [Internet]. 2020;4(1):38–47. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/24709360.2018.1477468
  21. Hastjarjo TD. Quasi-experimental design. Bul Psikol [Internet]. 2019;27(2):187–203. Available from: https//doi.org/10.22146/buletinpsikologi.3861
  22. Etikan I, Musa SA, Alkassim RS. Comparison of convenience sampling and purposive sampling. Am J Theor Appl Stat [Internet]. 2016;5(1):1–4. Available from: https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtas.20160501.11
  23. Wilson J, Haines H, Morris W. Participatory ergonomics. In: Evaluation of Human Work [Internet]. 3rd Editio. Taylor & Francis Group; 2005. p. 933–62. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781420055948.ch36
  24. Hignett S, McAtamney L. Rapid entire body assessment (REBA). Appl Ergon [Internet]. 2000;31(1):201–5. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-6870(99)00039-3
  25. Badan Standardisasi Nasional. Keputusan Kepala Badan Standarisasi Nasional Nomor 590/Kep/BSN/12/2021, tentang: Penetapan SNI 9011:2021 pengukuran dan evaluasi potensi bahaya ergonomi di tempat kerja [Internet]. Jakarta; 2021. Available from: https://www.scribd.com/document/651318774/SNI-9011-2021-Ergonomi
  26. Rahdiana N, Suhardi B, Rahmadiyani R. Identifikasi keluhan muskuloskeletal pekerja berdasarkan standar nasional indonesia. In: Bunga Rampai Teknik Industri [Internet]. Semarang: UNDIP Press; 2025. p. 287–307. Available from: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15448751
  27. Markkanen PK. Improving safety, health and the working environment in the informal footwear sector: PATRIS operator’s manual (participatory action training for informal sector Operators) [Internet]. Jakarta: International Labour Office; 2003. 36 p. Available from: https://www.ilo.org/publications/improving-safety-health-and-working-environment-informal-footwear-sector
  28. Giannarou L, Zervas E. Using delphi technique to build consensus in practice. Int J Bus Sci Appl Manag [Internet]. 2014;9(2):65–82. Available from: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/190657
  29. Christie CA, Barela E. The delphi technique as a method for increasing inclusion in the evaluation process. Can J Progr Eval [Internet]. 2005;20(1):105–122. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.020.005
  30. Vink P, Imada AS, Zink KJ. Defining stakeholder involvement in participatory design processes. Appl Ergon [Internet]. 2008;39(4):519–26. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2008.02.009
  31. Rasmussen CDN, Sørensen OH, Beek AJ van der, Holtermann A. The effect of training for a participatory ergonomic intervention on physical exertion and musculoskeletal pain among childcare workers (the TOY project) – a wait-list cluster-randomized controlled trial. Scand J Work Environ Health [Internet]. 2020;46(4):429–36. Available from: https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3884
Published
2026-04-02
How to Cite
Rahdiana, N., Hakim, A., Suryadi, S., Suhardi, B., Mohd Rohani, J., Majid, F., & Fatharani Shafa, N. (2026). Reducing Ergonomic Risk and Musculoskeletal Complaints through Participatory Ergonomics in an Informal MSME Food-Processing Enterprise: A Quasi-Experimental Case Study. Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia (MPPKI), 9(4), 835-847. https://doi.org/10.56338/mppki.v9i4.9221
Issue
Vol. 9 No. 4 (2026)
Section
Article

Copyright (c) 2026 Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia (MPPKI)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.