Development and initial testing of hot-work chair prototype for hot-work workers: a preliminary study in the view of ergonomics

Introduction: Workers employed at a selected company currently performing hot works using improper seating tools, experience prolonged static and awkward body postures, resulting in muscle discomfort and pain, particularly in the buttocks, lower back, thighs, and other regions. Objective: This research aims to design and develop a hot work chair prototype to reduce muscle discomfort level among the workers in the hot work section. Methodology: The data collected during task analysis among workers are analysed and serve as input for the second phase, which involves developing product design specifications (PDS), design and development of a hot work chair prototype and Initial testing using Body muscle discomfort is assessed using a 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after each session. Results and discussion: Task analysis shows that 92.5% hot works in a day performed by workers in seating position. As an ergonomic intervention for this, a prototype has been successfully designed and developed in this study based on the inputs from end-users, extensive literature, and the PDS. During the initial testing of the prototype, respondents report a 49.3% reduction in discomfort rating after using the hot work chair. Conclusion: The intervention of the hot work chair has reduced muscle discomfort during prolonged hot work activities and has improved body postures. As a result, the hot work chair has the potential to reduce muscle discomfort leading to MSD and other muscle injuries associated with this work task.

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