ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Workers in the fabric printing section have to lift many screen plates per day for fabric printing. The shape and size of these plates have cause difficulty and present a hazard for lifting. The aim of this study was to improve the screen plate lifting method in this section in order to reduce feelings of fatigue and increase feelings of satisfaction for subjects. A total of 31 fabric printing workers aged between 20 and 49 years participated in this study. The method that the worker’s used to lift the screen plates was observed. A questionnaire was used to measure subjective fatigue associated with lifting the screen plates. The data from observation and the questionnaire was used to design a screen plate lifting instrument. The instrument was designed using the ergonomic and engineering principles in order to decrease improper lifting posture, increase convenience and effectiveness for lifting screen plates. After using the new-designed instrument, a questionnaire measuring feelings of satisfaction in addition to subjective fatigue was administered. The questionnaire also asked workers on the average period of time to lift screen plates before and after using the instrument. The results show that the subjective fatigue was reduced when using the screen plate lifting instrument as opposed to manual lifting (p < 0.001) especially in the middle back, lower back, wrist, hand and fingers. Using the screen plate lifting instrument reduced subjective fatigue and the average period of time for lifting each screen plate.
