Comparison of Exposure Time to Hazards Between Pain Complainants and Non-Complainants Among Food Manufacturing Production Workers, and Factors Influencing Musculoskeletal Pain

This study examines the hazards faced by food manufacturing workers during their daily work hours and compares the exposure time between pain complainants and non-complainants. Also, this study identifies key factors influencing musculoskeletal pain. This study selected 552 food manufacturing workers and compared the exposure time to hazards between groups using t-tests. Additionally, this study conducted a logistic regression analysis to identify factors contributing to musculoskeletal pain, considering worker-related factors (gender, age, work experience, working hours per week, occupation, and industry type) and hazard exposure levels (physical, biochemical, and ergonomic hazards) as independent variables. The results of the exposure time analysis for hazards indicated that workers were most exposed to standing or repetitive movements, followed by awkward postures, handling heavy loads, and vibration. The mean comparison test of hazard exposure time between groups revealed that workers with musculoskeletal pain exhibited the greatest difference in low-temperature exposure time compared to workers without pain, followed by awkward postures and handling heavy loads. Logistic regression analysis showed that musculoskeletal pain increases with years of work experience and exposure time to handling heavy loads. In addition, females were more likely to complain of pain in the upper and lower limbs than males, and older workers were more likely to complain of back pain. Meanwhile, vibration exposure time increased the likelihood of upper limb pain, and low-temperature exposure time increased the likelihood of lower limb pain. The analysis of factors affecting musculoskeletal pain among food manufacturing workers showed that improvements are needed to focus on a universal design that considers female and older workers. Furthermore, this study’s results can help prioritize improvements and provide baseline data for developing tailored strategies and preventive measures.