Darliana Mohamad

RULA Analysis of Work-Related Disorder among Packaging Industry Worker Using Digital Human Modeling (DHM)

Musculoskeletal disorder (WMSDs) is the common health problems for the industrial workers. This health problem can contribute to long term effect on the production performance. The objective of this study is to analyze the posture of industrial worker in packaging industry using the RULA assessment in CATIA P3 V5R14 software. The working posture was reconstructed and developed in the CATIA P3 V5R14 software and then RULA assessment was conducted. From the RULA analysis, several awkward postures were detected to be high in risk factors. The postures in risk are postures 1,2 and 5 which mainly involve lifting heavy product and excessive bending. As a conclusion the RULA assessment was able to detect the problematic postures and further improvement can be conducted to avoid discomfort or further health complication.

Investigation of Ergonomics Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders among Oil Palm Workers Using Quick Exposure Check (QEC)

Oil palm workers perform daily activities that exposed themselves to various ergonomics risk factors. To harvest oil palm fruits from tall trees, specific technique is required. To quantify the ergonomics risks factors, postural analysis was conducted using Quick Exposure Check (QEC) system. It was found oil palm workers were exposed to many postural problems while performing harvesting and collecting fresh fruit bunch (FFB) activities. However, to quantify the actual load, many limitations of the QEC have been revealed such the missing of legs assessment, the crude analysis for arm and shoulder, no pushing and pulling assessment and the biased may be existed due to the workers perception on the ergonomics factors. Thus, it can be concluded that QEC system was not suitable for conducting postural analysis during harvesting in oil palm plantation especially in tall trees due to the above limitations.

Investigation of oil palm harvesters' postures using RULA analysis

Manual workers in agricultural industry are frequently exposed to work related discomfort and pain while performing their work tasks. This leads to common health problems such as Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) which occur due to the feeling of discomfort while performing daily tasks, which in turn affect their work performance. An interview was conducted with three palm oil harvesters to gather information regarding their body part discomfort and general view on working conditions. Consequently, a video camera was used to record the postures and movements of these harvesters while performing their tasks. The Digital Human Modeling Software (DHMS) was used to analyze the postures by using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) analysis. The findings showed that the harvesters experienced body part discomfort mainly on the upper body limbs. Based on the RULA analysis, all recorded postures were unsafe hence immediate actions should be implemented to ensure safe and comfortable working conditions. The main problems were their repetitive movements, awkward postures and heavy tools used when performing the work tasks. Necessary actions should be taken to minimize work risk.

Assessment of Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure among Motorcyclist in Malaysia

Motorcyclists are road users that highly exposed to hand-arm vibration that may contribute to body discomfort and fatigue that eventually will lead to road accidents and injuries. The two main objectives of this study are to identify the body parts that experience discomfort among motorcyclist and to understand the vibration exposure effect on different road types. In this study, two research methodologies were used; first, a survey questionnaire of 100 motorcyclists and second, an experimental study on hand-arm vibration (HAV) measurement exposed on motorcyclist using accelerometer mounted on the right side handlebars of the motorcycle. Two male respondents with a different weight range, 45-65 kg and >70 kg are selected for this experiment. The experiment was conducted on two different types of roads: tarmac road and pave road within a speed limit of 20-40 m/s2. Results of the study showed that the motorcyclist usually experienced body discomfort at lower back, upper back, wrist, buttock and neck area. The root-mean-square (r.m.s) frequency-weighted acceleration on the handlebars of the motorcycles was in the range of 0.07 m/s r.m.s for the tarmac road and 0.42 m/s r.m.s for the pave road. This value shows that different road type is affecting the vibration exposed to the motorcyclist. Clearly there’s a vibration felt by the motorcyclist but not on the degree of causing pain but a prolonged exposure to this vibration may induce discomfort and injuries.

Comparative Study on User and Manufacturer Perception of Ergonomics Requirement on Sofa Design in Malaysia

Development of ergonomic sofa design is a design process includes the basic framework specification, type of material, consideration of sofa features and sofa production methods that is applied on the sofa design. One of the methods that can be used in developing most appropriate design is by applying the process of upgrading existing sofa furniture through structural development that are based on user and manufacturer perception. Therefore, the goal of the paper is to develop a conceptual design for ergonomic sofa based on the user and manufacturer perception. To achieve this goal, a survey involving 30 respondents of sofa makers and sofa consumers was conducted to obtain feedback regarding the conceptual design of ergonomic sofa. The questionnaire survey had emphasize on the concept of sofa, general features of sofa, basic materials of sofa, basic color scheme and price range based on consumer perception and also focused on the basic specifications and material dimensions of sofa materials used. The results of data analysis show that the size of basic dimensions and materials is essential in designing an ergonomic sofa and user preferences have been identified. The survey is very important to find out the basic specifications in the development of ergonomic design through perception of sofa maker and consumers. The future stage of the research will focus on the incorporation of anthropometric data in order to address the innovative criterion of the development.

Development of 2D Image Capture Method Software for Recognizing Drivers’ Postural Angles

Drivers posture is one of the critical factors that should be investigated closely and thoroughly in the design and development of car drivers seat. A car driver controls the vehicle movements; therefore, his/her safety and comfort is important to avoid any road injury or unfortunate accident. The two main objectives of this study are to develop2D software for capturingimages of drivers postural angles and to collect comfortable drivers postural angles from the participants involved in the study, while they are driving the cars. To achieve this, an experiment was conducted by using this software for collectingcar drivers postural angles. Forty five Malaysian citizens took part in the data collection process. From the study, a 2D image capture method software for capturing driver postural angles were developed. Finally, a range of comfortable postural angles for Malaysian car drivers were proposed based on the participants perception with respect to safety and comfort.