Journal of Health and Safety at Work

Introduction: Work conditions in kerbside ticket booths intensify the risk of health threats. In this research, it is aimed to introduce solutions for improving ergonomics conditions of these booths, by ranking and analysis the risk factors.

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Material and Method: Demographic information as well as physical, mental, and safety conditions of 47 booths are collected through questionnaires, interview and video recording. Following, critical index was identified using a hybrid method including QEC checklist, ANOVA statistical test and innovative methods for determining ergonomic indices. Improvement strategiesfor the critical index were analysed,using CATIA V5 R20 software and RULA technique, and solutions were presented.

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Result: Based on F-test at the 0.05 significance level, anthropometric characteristics and personal informationshowed no difference betweenmale and female vendors, except for weight. Comparison of ergonomic indices manifested the maximum occupational exposurefor physical-motor factors (45.39) and environmental factors (41.28). Additionally, the highest risks determined by Nordic questionnaire and QEC checklists belonged to arms and shoulders (38) and wrist (26). Three dimensional model of vender with current and suggested postures were analysed using RULA and accordingly it was found that risk levels were improved for right and left side of the vendor body from 7 and 5 to 3 and 1, and for customers from 6 to 1.

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Conclusion: Vendors of electronic ticket booths are exposed to musculoskeletal and environmental health threats, in Mashhad. Relocating the booths, adjustingcounterand desk height can significantly reduce the risk of mentioned hazards