The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Factors Associated with High Ergonomic Risk Levels in the Oil and Gas Industry in Eastern Thailand

Workers in the oil and gas industry face limited protection from ergonomic-related injuries that are caused by repetitive tasks, computer work, and awkward body positions. This study aimed to assess the ergonomic risks, determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and identify the factors associated with high ergonomic risk levels among employees in large firms in Eastern Thailand. This cross-sectional analytical study assessed the ergonomic risks and MSDs among 955 employees in large firms in Eastern Thailand. The data were collected using REBA, ROSA, and the Standard Nordic Questionnaire. REBA indicated that all warehouse employees were at moderate risk (100%), while ROSA revealed high risk levels among all computer workers in the maintenance and warehouse departments (100%). The prevalence of MSDs was highest in the neck, reported by 63.6% in the past 7 days and 95.0% over a 12-month period. Multivariate analysis identified the following significant risk factors for high ergonomic levels: 1) being female (AOR = 7.72, 95% CI: 4.27–13.97), 2) being single (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.04–4.85), 3) holding a bachelor's degree or higher (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.03–2.41), 4) being an office or laboratory staff member compared to production workers (AOR = 14.11, 95% CI: 9.13–21.79), 5) not regularly using PPE (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.16–2.71), 6) experiencing a high level of work stress (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.07–2.33), and 7) having recent hip/thigh symptoms (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.58–5.63). These findings underscore the critical need for employers and policymakers to implement integrated ergonomic interventions, including workstation redesign and stress management programs, to mitigate MSD risks in the Thai oil and gas sector.