ERGONOMIC EVALUATION OF DEPARTMENT-BASED MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM RISKS IN AUTOMOTIVE AFTER-SALES SERVICES USING CMDQ AND QEC METHODS
Öz
This study evaluates the physical strain experienced by employees in authorized automotive service centers through a department-based ergonomic risk assessment. The analysis focuses on four primary departments: mechanical, body repair, electrical, and service consultancy. Adopting a cross-sectional research design, the study utilized the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) to assess instantaneous ergonomic exposures and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) to determine the prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal discomfort. Findings indicate significantly higher ergonomic risk levels in the mechanical and body repair departments compared to others. Specifically, discomfort in the mechanical department was concentrated in the lower back, back, and neck regions, while shoulder and upper arm discomfort predominated in the body repair department. Despite relatively lower exposure levels in the electrical department, employees reported neck and wrist discomfort. In the service consultancy department—primarily an office environment—moderate to high risks were identified in the neck and lower back, linked to workstation ergonomics. The integrated application of CMDQ and QEC provided a holistic assessment of ergonomic risks in automotive after-sales services. These results emphasize the necessity of department-specific interventions and offer practical recommendations for enhancing occupational health and safety within the automotive service sector.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Automotive After-Sales Services, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Ergonomics, CMDQ, QEC
Destekleyen Kurum
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Etik Beyan
This study was approved by the Ondokuz Mayıs University Social and Human Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Date: 27.02.2026; Meeting No: 2; Decision No: 2026-216).
Teşekkür
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the management and employees of an authorized automotive service center for their cooperation and support during the data collection process.
Kaynakça
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