Work posture risk analysis of mechanical loader operators in oil palm plantation

Rosnah Mohd. Yusuff, . and Mohd Asyraf Che` Doi, . and Mohd. Ramdhan Khalid, . and Yeoh Poh Chia, . and Mohd Azizul Mohd Muslim, . (2007) Work posture risk analysis of mechanical loader operators in oil palm plantation. [Proceedings Paper]

Malaysian Palm Oil Board MPOB has introduced the mechnical loader to overcome the problem of labour shortage to collect oil palm fresh fruit bunches. Known as the Grabber it has been designed without consideration of the safety health and comfort of the workers. Thus a study was conducted to evaluate the ergonomics risk factor among the Grabber operators. Five locations were chosen for the survey and observations were made on the work methods used in handling the Grabber. A video observations were made to record the work. Anthropometric measurements of the operators were also taken. A PLIBEL checklist was used to identify the body parts that experienced musculoskeletal disorders. The CATIA ergonomic builder software with RULA was used to stimulate the current operations of the operators and to check the ergonomics problems. It was found that the body part that experienced most pain was the neck followed by the shoulder and the RULA analysis indicated that the opertaions are not within suitable range of motions and require changes. A quick and practical solution was to include a big mirror that will enable the operators to view their jobs without much turning and twisting of the neck shoulder and trunk.

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Abstract

Malaysian Palm Oil Board MPOB has introduced the mechnical loader to overcome the problem of labour shortage to collect oil palm fresh fruit bunches. Known as the Grabber it has been designed without consideration of the safety health and comfort of the workers. Thus a study was conducted to evaluate the ergonomics risk factor among the Grabber operators. Five locations were chosen for the survey and observations were made on the work methods used in handling the Grabber. A video observations were made to record the work. Anthropometric measurements of the operators were also taken. A PLIBEL checklist was used to identify the body parts that experienced musculoskeletal disorders. The CATIA ergonomic builder software with RULA was used to stimulate the current operations of the operators and to check the ergonomics problems. It was found that the body part that experienced most pain was the neck followed by the shoulder and the RULA analysis indicated that the opertaions are not within suitable range of motions and require changes. A quick and practical solution was to include a big mirror that will enable the operators to view their jobs without much turning and twisting of the neck shoulder and trunk.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia. S671.3 A278 2007
AGROVOC Term:	OIL PALMS
AGROVOC Term:	OIL CROPS
AGROVOC Term:	MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES
AGROVOC Term:	MUSCULAR DISEASES
AGROVOC Term:	MALAYSIA
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Suzila Mohamad Kasim
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:13
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/11102

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