Iran Occupational Health

Background and aims: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most important causes of workers disabilities, increasing compensations and reducing productivity in developed and developing countries .According bureau of labor statistics in 2010, 29 percent of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders are diseases that cause absence from work. The objective of this study is determining the role of response efficacy as one of the component of protection motivation theory to reduce ergonomic risk factors in one of manufacturing industries.

Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study 158 workers of an assembly industry were studied .In order to assess the ergonomic work stations .Quick Exposure Check method was used. The data gathered via exclusive interviews with selected workers using the questionnaire designed based on protection motivation theory and were analyzed .Content Validity Index and Content Validity Ratio values were calculated for validity and reliability was obtained by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

Results: Results of the assessment to the QEC method showed that 37.97% and36.71% respectively of those at moderate and high risk groups. Also there was a significant negative correlation between response efficacy and QEC scores and action level

Conclusion: Regarding negative significant correlation between self efficacy and QEC scores and action levels ,designing educational program based on Protection Motivation Theory to decrease ergonomic risk factors is recommended.