Repetitive task analysis in cutting tofu process using assessment of repetitive task tool (case study in Sari Murni SME)

Abstract

The increasing consumption of tofu in Indonesia is causing the high production of tofu. Sari Murni tofu industry, one of the tofu producers in Surakarta. The first process is using soybean as a main ingredient is initiated with deep soaking. After the deep soaking process is done, the tofu is moved to washing process tofu, filtering process, grinding process, boiling process, cooking process, pressing process. Lastly, the tofu is cut, and kept in final storage. Cutting process, one of the process, produces repetitive tasks. The cutting knife and a wooden ruler are used in cutting process. It can produce 18 times repetitive movements to cut 1 tofu pan. Meanwhile, the daily production capacity is 250 pans. There are two operators in cutting process. According to the condition, one day it can produce 2,250 times repetitive movements done by two operators to cut tofu with upper limb (arms and hands) being involved in repetitive task. The observation was run by several methods for risk assessment on repetitive tasks but this observation using Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) tool to assess the risk of repetitive tasks carried out by cutting operators. This tool was developed by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2010. The ART tool is used to identify risk factors for repetitive tasks that have the potential to cause injury to the upper limbs (hands and arms). The results of ART shows in the cutting process, which are found on right hand and left hand, with a medium risk level (further investigation required). The most important risk factors are pressure, arm posture, and hand grip posture. The second important risk factors are repetition, arm movement, and work pace. Both of these risk factors are concerned for further intervention.