Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Risk Using the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) Method Among Technical Service Personnel at an Electric Utility Company in Bontang City

Abstract

Technical Service Personnel at an electricity company in Bontang City perform various work activities that may lead to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) due to non-ergonomic working postures. This study was conducted through direct observation of the personnel's work activities. MSD complaints were identified using the Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaire, while work posture analysis was carried out using the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) method based on work activity observations and documentation. The analysis results were used to determine the level of posture-related risk and the need for corrective actions. Based on the OWAS analysis, several work activities were classified as having moderate to very high risk levels, requiring corrective measures in the near future. Risky working postures were generally found in activities involving bending, twisting the back, lifting loads, and bending the knees. After the workstation redesign was implemented, the OWAS score, which had previously been categorized as 4 (very high risk) and required immediate corrective action, decreased to 1 (low risk).