Ergonomic Assessment in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) industry plays important role in economic growth in Malaysia especially food production industries. Ergonomics in SMEs food industries are one of the most common issues being neglected among people. In this study, the objective is to identify the possibility of an adverse health effect, to conduct hazard and risk assessment and lastly to evaluate the ergonomics problem at SMEs. Hazards identification was done through interview sessions and Industrial Accidental Prevention Association (IAPA) checklist. Checklist based on direct observation on working activities is being evaluated in SMEs. Hazards recorded down are mainly focus on potential ergonomics problems. Then, Hazard Identification, Risk Analysis and Risk Control method (HIRARC) is used to further analyse the hazards. Results show that majority of the employees are unfamiliar with the concept of ergonomics which easily expose themselves to ergonomic injuries hence, it is indeed important to increase awareness among the employees and employer of the company to emphasize on the safety of the instruments and machines used. Lastly, recommendations on each hazard of working activity are given to improve the overall condition and production of the company. This study would serve as a guidance and reference related to this field to eliminate the potential ergonomics issues.