Design a Manual Calf Massager for Prolonged Standing Workers by Using Ergonomic Approach

Abstract

Majority of manufacturing industrial labors normally has to perform the operating task in standing position for a long period of time. In this context, the problems related to prolonged standing activity among workers posed significant impact to the workers that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) including pain, increased fatigue and stiffness in active muscles. There is an urgent need to address and recognizing the suitable and reliable way for resolving this problem. Therefore this study focusing to develop a manual calf massager (MCM) design ill order to reduce muscle fatigue associated to prolonged standing worker. The data of the problems encountered and design specifications were obtained through questionnaire survey among 60 respondents of production worker in PHN Industry Sdn. Bhd. Based on the findings, large number of participants have experienced muscle fatigue in calf parts due to the prolonged standing activity. Hence, the most favored criteria of the design requirements are effortless and user friendly, high efficiency, portable devices, foldable design, multi-purpose use, adjustable device and durability based on the consumer desire. The selection of concepts design was finalized by using Pugh Selection Method; Screening and Scoring method. The final 3D modelling design of the MCM was drawn using SolidWork software. While for the validation analysis, subjective method was applied to gain the psychological feedback from the workers and also to the medical practitioners. According to the validation results, it can be summarized that majority of the workers satisfied with the overall performance of MCM design. Positive feedback gained from the physiotherapist where they believed that MCM chair will be as an archetype in preventing pain become worsening especially contributable to MSD. Besides, most of them showing curiosity to try this new calf massager design.