Volume 22, Issue 2 (7-2026)
J Health Syst Res 2026, 22(2): 312-320 |
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Research code: 29686
Ethics code: IR.SUMS.SCHEANUT.REC.1403.010
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Barati-Chamgordani S, Choobineh A, Shakerian M, Ghaem H, Pourjafari-Nadoshan M. Content Analysis of Structural Factors Influencing Improper Posture in Overhead Crane Operators: A Qualitative Study. J Health Syst Res 2026; 22 (2) :312-320
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-2048-en.html
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-2048-en.html
Saeed Barati-Chamgordani1 
, Alireza Choobineh2 , Mahnaz Shakerian3 , Haleh Ghaem4 , Mahdi Pourjafari-Nadoshan5
, Alireza Choobineh2 , Mahnaz Shakerian3 , Haleh Ghaem4 , Mahdi Pourjafari-Nadoshan5
1- Student Research Committee AND Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2- Professor, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
4- Professor, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health AND Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
5- Occupational Health Supervision, HSE Management, Isfahan Steel Company, Isfahan, Iran
2- Professor, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
4- Professor, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health AND Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
5- Occupational Health Supervision, HSE Management, Isfahan Steel Company, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract: (31 Views)
Background: Poor workplace posture is a major contributor to musculoskeletal disorders and is particularly critical for overhead crane operators who work under confined and high-stress conditions. This qualitative study aimed to identify the structural factors influencing poor posture in the workstations of these operators.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2024 using a conventional content analysis approach among overhead crane operators employed in a large steel manufacturing plant. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA 2024 software to identify, categorize, and interpret the codes and factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders among the operators.
Findings: Data analysis revealed that the factors contributing to poor posture among overhead crane operators could be classified into two main categories: cabin design and operator seat. A total of 17 codes were identified. Cabin-related factors included steering system deficiencies, inadequate foot space, vibration, improper lever placement, limited visibility, difficulty communicating with personnel, space constraints, inappropriate cabin height, challenges in cleaning cabin windows, and insufficient lighting. Seat-related factors comprised lack of adjustability and rotation, absence of control levers on the seat, improper seat-to-floor fixation, low-quality materials, suspension system defects, and difficulty achieving a comfortable seating position.
Conclusion: Ergonomic design of the cabin and operator seat in overhead cranes, including adjustability, an effective suspension system, and high-quality materials, reduces physical strain and enhances operator comfort. Optimizing cabin space, minimizing vibration, and improving visibility further enhance operator performance and posture, providing a foundation for designing safe and efficient work environments for these occupations.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2024 using a conventional content analysis approach among overhead crane operators employed in a large steel manufacturing plant. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA 2024 software to identify, categorize, and interpret the codes and factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders among the operators.
Findings: Data analysis revealed that the factors contributing to poor posture among overhead crane operators could be classified into two main categories: cabin design and operator seat. A total of 17 codes were identified. Cabin-related factors included steering system deficiencies, inadequate foot space, vibration, improper lever placement, limited visibility, difficulty communicating with personnel, space constraints, inappropriate cabin height, challenges in cleaning cabin windows, and insufficient lighting. Seat-related factors comprised lack of adjustability and rotation, absence of control levers on the seat, improper seat-to-floor fixation, low-quality materials, suspension system defects, and difficulty achieving a comfortable seating position.
Conclusion: Ergonomic design of the cabin and operator seat in overhead cranes, including adjustability, an effective suspension system, and high-quality materials, reduces physical strain and enhances operator comfort. Optimizing cabin space, minimizing vibration, and improving visibility further enhance operator performance and posture, providing a foundation for designing safe and efficient work environments for these occupations.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Occupational health engineering and occupational safety
Received: 2025/04/23 | Accepted: 2025/10/4 | Published: 2026/07/6
Received: 2025/04/23 | Accepted: 2025/10/4 | Published: 2026/07/6
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