Physical Fatigue and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the physical fatigue and the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs). In this study, an industrial survey, posture observation and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)have been performed. The results of the industrial survey using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires (NMQ) showed that Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) have experienced most pain or body discomfort at their neck, upper back and lower back for both, previous 12 months and for the last 7 days. The results indicated that ATCOs are exposed to the risk of WMSDs and the main factor may due to prolonged sitting and the awkward posture during their working hours. The results of work posture assessment revealed that the risk of physical fatigue and work-related musculoskeletal disorder is at High Level shown by the high value of the final REBA Score, which is 8. Thus, immediate actions should be taken to reduce the risk of physical fatigue and WMSDs among ATCOs. The results provide a significant reference to the aviation industry where management should be more concerned with the ergonomics implementation to mitigate WMSDs risks among ATCOs specifically and aviation workers in general.