Ezrin Hani Sukadarin

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.

Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevalence during Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunches Harvesting Using RULA

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in the agricultural industry is a very serious problem but it is not well investigated and understood. In this paper, the authors have made an attempt to evaluate the prevalence of WMSD in oil palm industry during harvesting fresh fruit bunches (FFB). Data collection was conducted by conducting face-to-face structured interviews with FFB harvesters. In addition, video recording on seven FFB harvesters were conducted while they are performing the harvesting work. Demographic data shows that the mean age of FFB harvester was 41.3 years and 71.4% of them are smokers. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method was used to evaluate the prevalence of WMSD by observing the working postures of the FFB harvesters. RULA analysis of the observed results showed that 83% of the FFB harvesters have scored 7 during harvesting work, which means postural changes must be carried out immediately. Meanwhile, 17% FFB harvesters have scored 5, which means postural change must be carried out soon. Repetitive work is also a main factor that contributes to high prevalence of WMSD among FFB harvesters while they are pulling and pushing the FFB.

Postural assessment in pen-and-paper-based observational methods and their associated health effects: a review

Introduction. This review describes standardized ergonomics assessment based on pen-and-paper observational methods for assessing ergonomics risk factors. Objective. The three main objectives are to analyze published pen-and-paper observational methods, to extract and understand the risk levels of each method and to identify their associated health effects. Methodology. The authors searched scientific databases and the Internet for materials from 1970 to 2013 using the following keywords: ergo, posture, method, observational, postural angle, health effects, pain and diseases. Postural assessments of upper arms, lower arms, wrists, neck, back and legs in six pen-and-paper-based observational methods are highlighted, extracted in groups and linked with associated adverse health effects. Results. The literature reviewed showed strengths and limitations of published pen-and-paper-based observational methods in determining the work activities, risk levels and related postural angles to adverse health effects. This provided a better understanding of unsafe work postures and how to improve these postures. Conclusion. Many pen-and-paper-based observational methods have been developed. However, there are still many limitations of these methods. There is, therefore, a need to develop a new pen-and-paper-based observational method for assessing postural problems.

Conceptual Design of Semi-Automatic Wheelbarrow to Overcome Ergonomics Problems Among Palm Oil Plantation Workers

An ergonomics problem is one of the main issues faced by palm oil plantation workers especially during harvesting and collecting of fresh fruit bunches (FFB). Intensive manual handling and labor activities involved have been associated with high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among palm oil plantation workers. New and safe technology on machines and equipment in palm oil plantation are very important in order to help workers reduce risks and injuries while working. The aim of this research is to improve the design of a wheelbarrow, which is suitable for workers and a small size oil palm plantation. The wheelbarrow design was drawn using CATIA ergonomic features. The characteristic of ergonomics assessment is performed by comparing the existing design of wheelbarrow. Conceptual design was developed based on the problems that have been reported by workers. From the analysis of the problem, finally have resulting concept design the ergonomic quality of semi-automatic wheelbarrow with safe and suitable used for palm oil plantation workers.

Ergonomics Assessment of Seat Design Based on Buttock Pressure and Anthropometrics Data

Todays global competition has prompted many automotive manufacturers to design their products based on consumers preference and satisfaction. A car driver controls the vehicle and his/her comfort and safety is important to avoid any road injury or unfortunate accident. There are three main objectives for this paper. This paper is to investigate the relationships between car drivers anthropometric characteristics, comfortable postural angles and seat adjustment, to analyze the force distribution on the car seat and to design a driver car seat that gives comfort and safety ergonomically to the driver. In this case, the measurements need to be taken for both car and the driver and also to propose a design a driver car seat that provides comfort and safety to the driver. This design should be based on ergonomic factors including design, materials used and safety. These findings enhance our understandings of car drivers perceptions of posture comfort and safety. The data findings and relationship discussed will assist the manufacturers in designing a drivers car seat with ergonomics value.