ABSTRACT
The study is concerned with ergonomical evaluation of carrying and transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders by deliverymen and by home users. By using surveys and interviews, data was collected to determine work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) experienced by these users, and the working posture of the people transporting gas cylinders was evaluated using Ovako Working posture Assessment System (OWAS) postural analysis tool. It was found that only two out of 10 postures did not require correction (category 1), while one required immediate correction (category 4) according to OWAS. Studies were also conducted on the present use of mechanical aids like trolleys to prevent WMSDs in the target group. Use of trolleys was more prevalent in home users than deliverymen, although the variety of MSDs reported was high in home users.
