Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To find work related factors affecting perceived fatigue among male metal product assemblers.
METHODS
The study subjects were metal product assemblers from three metal product companies (476 car parts assemblers, 610 car engine assemblers, 454 ship engine assemblers). From the total of 1,540 subjects, 1,136 (73.8%) were included and 38 respondents with insufficient replies were excluded. Associations between fatigue score and other variables (general characteristics, job related factors, workload, job stresses) were investigated in terms of the concept of multidimensional fatigue construct by self administered questionnaire. Using MFS (Multidimensional Fatigue Scale), JCQ (Job Content Questionnaire), and Borg's scale, we estimated the fatigue, job stress, and workload, respectively. Fatigue score was estimated by 'sum of fatigue' in MFS. Associations were tested by linear regression analysis using SAS v.8.0.
RESULTS
In this study, the fatigue related factors were older age, longer working hours per week, higher workload, higher job demand, lower decision latitude, and lower supervisor support.
CONCLUSIONS
Prolonged working hours, higher workload, higher job demand, poor supervisor support and lower decision latitude were fatigue related factors among the male metal product assemblers of this study.

• Keywords: Fatigue;Job stress;Workload;Metal product assembler