Ergonomic risk assessment of manual handling tools by oil palm collectors and loaders
- Author:
Nur Syazwani MN
;
Baba MD
;
Mohd Nizam AR
;
Ezrin Hani S
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
manual handling, postural analysis, oil palm plantation, oil palm collector and loader, REBA
- From:Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine
2016;16(Supplement 2):56-60
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Oil palm workers are exposed to ergonomics problems in their routine works. Although many technological advances
have been developed, a large number of workers are still using manual handling tools in their daily work. A study
was done to identify and solve the problems or issues of material handling effect on oil palm collectors and loaders
during their daily work activities. A cross sectional study was done in an oil palm plantation in Negeri Sembilan,
Malaysia. Twenty five workers were selected randomly to participate in this study. Musculoskeletal symptoms were
recorded using Modified Nordic Questionnaires and awkward postures of the workers were assessed using Rapid
Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Result showed that 61% of workers were exposed to high risk level and 39% to very
high risk level of working posture problems. In conclusion, majority of oil palm collectors and loaders need to correct
their working posture as soon as possible. The manual handling activities need to be improved with respect to
correct procedure for health and safety concerns.
- Full text:P020170202341484105518.pdf
