Abstract

Worker’s health and safety are important for the plantation’s sustainable development. In the oil palm industry, the harvester is exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) during the fresh fruit bunch (FFB) harvesting process. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of harvesting tools namely chisel, pole, and loading spike towards WMSDs on harvester’s lower limb. Rapid Upper Limb Analysis (RULA) in the CATIA and Human Musculoskeletal Model Analysis (HMMA) in the AnyBody software was applied to model and simulate the harvester’s movement during the harvesting process. The RULA simulation results indicated that the harvester’s lower limbs were exposed to WMSDs where further investigation and changes were required immediately. HMMA results indicated that the Gastrocnemius Medialis muscle had the highest mean muscle force. This study is important as an early ergonomics intervention for occupational health.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.