Risk of Upper Extremity Biomechanical Overload in Automotive Facility

Objective To assess the risk factors for upper extremity-work-related musculoskeletal disorders（UE-WMSD） on 13 prod ucti on lines in an airbag factory using the threshold limit values-American conference of industrial hygienists-hand activity level（TLV-ACGIH-HAL） method and introduce the ergonomic improvement to reduce the repe titi veness and the peak force（Pf）.Methods Professional exposure level on 13 production lines in a automobile factory was measured using the TLV-ACGIH-HAL method and a further risk was assessed according to the ergonomic improvement.Results The first assessment of 9 produc tion lines showed that the professional exposure level was above the TLV or HAL limit.The second assessment showed that the professional exposure level was below the AL limit on all production lines except 1,in which the professional exposure level was between TLV and HAL.Conclusion The assessment of UE-WMSD-related risk can ide ntif y the riskiest emplacements and evaluate the reduc tion of risk in professional exposure through interventi ons of structuralorganizati onal type.