Provide workplaces that allow all workers to do their duties in a standing position

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 24 views

Differences in Complaints of Lower Back Pain Based on Work Attitudes in the Stripping Workers at the Cinta Mas Hendro Chips Factory

Introduction

Lower back pain (NPB) is a musculoskeletal problem that can limit a person's activities, a significant social and medical concern. In Indonesia, the level of NPB complaints is quite high, especially in workers in factories, which are often caused by less ergonomic work attitudes. One example is the stripping section at the Cinta Mas Hendro chips factory. In this factory, work is done manually with two work attitudes, namely sitting and standing. Ignorance of ergonomic factors at work can increase the risk of workers experiencing lower back pain.

The Importance of Ergonomic Work Attitudes

Ergonomic work attitudes are crucial in preventing and reducing the risk of lower back pain. A study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that workers who adopt ergonomic work attitudes are less likely to experience musculoskeletal disorders, including lower back pain. In contrast, workers who adopt non-ergonomic work attitudes are more likely to experience these disorders. Therefore, it is essential for factory owners to provide workplaces that allow all workers to do their duties in a standing position.

Methodology

This study analyzed 21 workers who had experienced NPB complaints, with 12 workers using a sitting work attitude and 9 workers using a standing work attitude. Data collection was carried out using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire to measure the level of disability due to back pain, as well as direct observation of working conditions. The analysis results show that there are significant differences in NPB complaints based on work attitudes.

Results

Of the 12 workers sitting, 7 workers (58.3%) experienced a minimum disability rate, while 5 workers (41.7%) experienced a moderate disability rate. On the other hand, all workers who were established, namely 9 people (100%), are in the minimum disability level category. These results indicate that workers who adopt a standing work attitude are less likely to experience lower back pain compared to workers who adopt a sitting work attitude.

Factors Contributing to Lower Back Pain

The main factor that affects the level of lower back pain is work attitude. Based on research, standing work attitudes are more ergonomic and reduce the possibility of complaints of back pain compared to the attitude of sitting work. In addition, other factors that contribute to the age of workers, work periods, gender, body mass index (BMI), work duration, and repetition at work. These factors create conditions in which older workers or more experience may be more vulnerable to back pain.

Prevention and Reduction of Lower Back Pain

To prevent and reduce NPB complaints at work, it is highly recommended for factory owners to provide workplaces that allow all workers to do their duties in a standing position. In this way, all workers in the stripping section can work with a more ergonomic attitude. In addition, workers are also advised to carry out independent stretches in accordance with existing guidelines, as well as avoiding the position of the body that bent at work. The application of these suggestions is expected to improve workers' health and productivity, as well as reduce the risk of lower back pain.

Conclusion

Differences in complaints of lower back pain based on work attitudes highlight the importance of attention to ergonomic factors in the world of work. By making simple changes in the way workers make their duties, we can create a healthier and more productive work environment. Factory owners and workers must work together to prevent and reduce the risk of lower back pain. This can be achieved by providing workplaces that allow all workers to do their duties in a standing position, as well as promoting healthy work habits and ergonomic practices.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Provide workplaces that allow all workers to do their duties in a standing position: Factory owners should provide workplaces that allow all workers to do their duties in a standing position. This can be achieved by installing standing workstations or providing workers with the option to work in a standing position.
Promote healthy work habits: Workers should be encouraged to carry out independent stretches in accordance with existing guidelines, as well as avoiding the position of the body that bent at work.
Implement ergonomic practices: Factory owners should implement ergonomic practices in the workplace, such as providing workers with ergonomic equipment and training them on how to use it correctly.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions: Factory owners should monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of lower back pain.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only analyzed workers in the stripping section at the Cinta Mas Hendro chips factory, which may not be representative of workers in other factories or industries. Finally, the study only measured the level of disability due to back pain using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, which may not capture other aspects of lower back pain, such as pain intensity or functional impairment.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to replicate this study in other factories or industries to determine the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, future research should aim to investigate other factors that contribute to lower back pain, such as work duration, repetition at work, and body mass index (BMI). Finally, future research should aim to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of lower back pain in different workplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lower Back Pain in the Workplace

Q: What is lower back pain (NPB)?

A: Lower back pain (NPB) is a musculoskeletal problem that can limit a person's activities, a significant social and medical concern. It is a common complaint among workers in factories, especially those who adopt non-ergonomic work attitudes.

Q: What are the causes of lower back pain in the workplace?

A: The main cause of lower back pain in the workplace is work attitude. Workers who adopt non-ergonomic work attitudes, such as sitting or bending for long periods, are more likely to experience lower back pain. Other factors that contribute to lower back pain include age, work periods, gender, body mass index (BMI), work duration, and repetition at work.

Q: What are the symptoms of lower back pain?

A: The symptoms of lower back pain include:

Pain or discomfort in the lower back
Limited mobility or stiffness in the lower back
Muscle spasms or cramps in the lower back
Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
Weakness or fatigue in the legs or feet

Q: How can lower back pain be prevented and reduced in the workplace?

A: Lower back pain can be prevented and reduced in the workplace by:

Providing workplaces that allow all workers to do their duties in a standing position
Promoting healthy work habits, such as carrying out independent stretches and avoiding the position of the body that bent at work
Implementing ergonomic practices, such as providing workers with ergonomic equipment and training them on how to use it correctly
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of lower back pain

Q: What are the benefits of preventing and reducing lower back pain in the workplace?

A: The benefits of preventing and reducing lower back pain in the workplace include:

Improved worker health and productivity
Reduced risk of lower back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders
Increased worker satisfaction and engagement
Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism (being present at work but not fully productive)
Improved overall well-being and quality of life

Q: What can workers do to prevent and reduce lower back pain in the workplace?

A: Workers can prevent and reduce lower back pain in the workplace by:

Carrying out independent stretches in accordance with existing guidelines
Avoiding the position of the body that bent at work
Using ergonomic equipment and following proper usage guidelines
Reporting any discomfort or pain to their supervisor or HR representative
Participating in workplace wellness programs and initiatives

Q: What can factory owners and managers do to prevent and reduce lower back pain in the workplace?

A: Factory owners and managers can prevent and reduce lower back pain in the workplace by:

Providing workplaces that allow all workers to do their duties in a standing position
Promoting healthy work habits and ergonomic practices
Implementing workplace wellness programs and initiatives
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of lower back pain
Providing training and education to workers on how to prevent and reduce lower back pain

Q: What are the consequences of not preventing and reducing lower back pain in the workplace?

A: The consequences of not preventing and reducing lower back pain in the workplace include:

Increased risk of lower back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders
Decreased worker health and productivity
Increased absenteeism and presenteeism
Reduced worker satisfaction and engagement
Increased costs associated with workers' compensation and medical treatment

Q: How can I get more information about preventing and reducing lower back pain in the workplace?

A: You can get more information about preventing and reducing lower back pain in the workplace by:

Contacting your local occupational health and safety office
Visiting the website of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Consulting with a healthcare professional or occupational health specialist
Participating in workplace wellness programs and initiatives
Attending training and education sessions on preventing and reducing lower back pain in the workplace