THE EFFECT OF MENTAL WORKLOAD ON WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (WMSDs) AMONG WORKERS AT PT SARANA REMAJA MANDIRI SIDOARJO
Author
Abstract
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are disorders of the musculoskeletal system associated with occupational activities and represent one of the major occupational health problems affecting workers’ productivity and safety. In addition to physical factors, mental workload is also suspected to contribute to the occurrence of WMSDs through mechanisms related to work stress and prolonged muscle tension. PT Sarana Remaja Mandiri Sidoarjo is an EPC, construction, and steel fabrication company whose work characteristics involve high mental and physical demands, placing its workers at risk of developing WMSDs. This study aimed to analyze the effect of mental workload on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) among workers at PT Sarana Remaja Mandiri Sidoarjo. This study employed an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The study population consisted of all field workers at PT Sarana Remaja Mandiri Sidoarjo, totaling 35 workers, and all were included as research subjects using a total sampling technique. Mental workload was assessed using the Raw NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), while WMSDs were measured using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses with the Chi-Square test, and Fisher’s Exact Test was applied when expected cell counts were less than five. The findings revealed that the majority of workers experienced a moderate level of mental workload and moderate WMSD complaints. Statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant effect of mental workload on WMSDs among workers at PT Sarana Remaja Mandiri Sidoarjo (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, mental workload management remains important as part of ergonomic risk control efforts and the improvement of occupational health and safety within the company.