Ergonomic Assessment of Workstations in a Furniture Production Workshop in Ogun State

This study assesses the ergonomic conditions of production workstations within a medium-scale furniture manufacturing workshop in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Musculoskeletal disorders and occupational fatigue are widely documented consequences of poor workstation design, and their prevalence in Nigeria's informal and semi-formal manufacturing sector remains inadequately studied relative to the scale of the problem. This research applies the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment tool and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment method to evaluate postural risks among production workers engaged in cutting, sanding, and assembly tasks. Data were collected through direct observation, postural analysis, and a structured questionnaire administered to thirty-two workers. Results indicate that sanding workstations present the highest postural risk scores, largely due to non-adjustable bench heights and repetitive overhead arm movements. Cutting station operators also report elevated levels of wrist and lower back discomfort. The study recommends the introduction of height-adjustable workbenches, anti-fatigue matting, and targeted ergonomics training for supervisors and workers. Cost estimates for proposed interventions are provided to assist management in prioritising improvements. This research contributes to the growing body of ergonomic literature applicable to artisan-scale manufacturing enterprises in South West Nigeria and provides a replicable assessment framework for similar workshops. Keywords: ergonomics, workstation design, furniture production, RULA, Ogun State