Ergonomic Evaluation of Street Vendors as Determined by Rapid Entire Body Assessment Method

Background: Musculoskeletal conditions are prevalent and their impact is pervasive.They are the most common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability affecting the psychosocial status of affected people as well as their families and caretakers.In all occupations, incorrect working posture is the most important cause of musculoskeletal disorders.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the work postures of street vendors using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method.Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted.Work postures were assessed in 60 street vendors by employing the REBA method.Stratified sampling was used.Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and regression analysis was tested using SPSS software.Results: The results show that 71% of vendors had a high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorder.No significant relationship was found between age and REBA score (p= 0.1142, Pearson's correlation 0.2).The relationship between years of work experience and REBA score was also not significant (p =0.2463, Pearson's correlation 0.15).However, regression analysis revealed that trunk, upper arm and lower arm postures were mainly contributing to the REBA score, putting Street vendors at high risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder.Conclusion: From this study, we concluded that task performed by the majority of street vendors possess a high risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorder requiring immediate measures.No relation was found between age and REBA score as well as years of work experience and REBA score.Trunk, upper arm and lower arm postures were influencing more to REBA scores.