Ergonomic risk identification for rice harvesting worker

Abstract

This paper studies important factors that influence the physical workload of rice harvesters. Rice harvesting in Java, Indonesia, mostly uses manual and semi-mechanical methods that require significant physical energy. These harvesting methods have potential Ergonomic Risk Factors (ERFs) that are skeletal, muscle, and peripheral nerve disorders called Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Surveys and observations of 7 workers of manual and 9 workers of semi-mechanical rice harvesting practices were done in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Province. The dependent variable of Cardio-vascular Load (CVL) was formulated in multiple linear regression equations by some independent variables, that were age, smoking habits, heart rate, and ambient temperature. The results showed that age and ambient temperature variables correlate strongly with CVL manual worker. CVL semi-mechanical worker was strongly correlated with age and heart rate. By F test, manual worker workload, 94.5% was significantly influenced by variables of age, smoking habits, heart rate and ambient temperature. CVL semi-mechanical workers were only 91.1%. To avoid high CVL, the age factor of workers is a major consideration. MSDs occur in the upper and lower back for manual workers, while semi-mechanical workers occur on the lower back and both hands. From the assessment of work posture in 4 elements of harvesting, transporting element was the activity with the worst posture. Ergonomic interventions are needed to reduce ergonomic risks in transportation.