Chapter 4

Methodology

This chapter the researchers show the methods that were used during the research;
it also addresses the answers towards the statement of the problem in chapter 1. The
research was conducted in the production area of Topsure Industrial Machineries and
Controls (TIMCO) specifically in the fabrication area.

Also, this chapter presents different kinds of procedures that are present and
strategies that are needed to gather information or collecting data on the analysis and
assessment of ergonomic factors in the workplace and description of respondents. It also
states the research instruments and the procedures in the collection of data that were used
in this study.

Research Design

The researchers used the different type’s descriptive research method such as
observational, case-study, and survey for them to know the impact of workplace
ergonomics in the production area of TIMCO and in order to know how it affects the
performance and productivity of the workers. Descriptive studies are closely associated
with observational studies, but they are not limited with observation data collection
method. Case studies and surveys can also be specified as popular data collection
methods used with descriptive studies.

Research Locale

The researchers conducted this study at TIMCO in Biñan, Laguna. The worksite
analysis was done at the fabrication line of the production area of the company.

TIMCO was established six (6) years ago, a metal fabrication company. It is engaged in
welding, cutting, forming and machining, the company will bid on a job, usually based on
the engineering drawings, and if awarded the contract, they will build the product. It was
established by Mr. Ronnel Mendoza (Owner) a registered Mechanical Engineer and Mr.
Christopher Navarro (Co-Owner) who is also his competitor in other biddings, also with
the help of Mr. Mendoza’s daughter and wife.

Population of the Study/Sampling Design

TIMCO has sixteen (16) workers. This is inclusive of managers, foreman,

administrative officer, welder, driver, helper, machinists, electricians, and fabrication
workers. This study majorly engaged the ten (10) workers in the fabrication department
of the company. The researchers used random sampling technique to estimate the
sampling size. The researchers used the Cochran’s formula to calculate the sample size.
The Cochran formula is as follows:

𝑛₀
n= 𝑛0 −1
1+( )
𝑁

Where: n₀ = number of samples

N = total population

Using this formula, the researchers calculated the sample size given the
population size of ten (10) workers in the fabrication department.

5
n= 5−1
1+( )
10

n = 4 participants
 Research Instruments

For this study, the researchers used research instruments to collect necessary data
from the identified respondents in the production area of TIMCO are assessment or
RULA worksheet, interview, and observation. The assessment and interview were used to
gather information about the workstation and tasks of the workers in the
fabrication/assembly line in the production area of the company.

The assessments that were applicable for use in the study were analysis tools for
the workstation, specific tasks in the fabrication line, and the hand tools and equipment
used in the site. RULA or Rapid Upper Limb Assessment is a survey method developed
for use in ergonomic investigations of workplaces where work related upper limb
disorders are reported. RULA is a screening tool that assesses biomechanical and postural
loading on the whole body with particular attention to the neck, trunk and upper limbs. A
form is used to evaluate required body posture, force, and repetition. Scores are entered
for each body region based on the evaluations; section A for the arm and wrist and
section B for the neck and trunk. After the data is collected and scored, the tables on the
form are used to compile the risk factor variables. This generates a single score that will
represent the level of MSDs or Musculoskeletal Disorders risk. Hazard Zone Job
assessments were also used in this study.

Methods of Data Collection

In this study, data are obtained through checklist worksheets, interview, and
observation. The researchers evaluated the workers in the production area specifically the
fabrication/assembly area of TIMCO through assessment worksheets. The researchers
also analyzed the workstation, task, hand tool, material handling and computer
workstation. The worksheets provide questions regarding to the surroundings in the
workstation, their tools and how the worker uses it. The researchers conducted an
interview to the respondents to learn more about their workstation and specific tasks.
They also observed the workers while they are performing the job for further analysis.
 For the purposes of this study, the researchers took the following steps in
gathering the data and information in this study:

Step 1: Identify issues and/or opportunities for collecting data

Step 2: Select issue(s) and/or opportunity (ies) and set goals
Step 3: Plan an approach and methods
Step 4: Collect data
Step 5: Analyze and interpret data
Step 6: Act on results