The effect of machine vibration to complaints of carpal tunnel syndrome on workers in wood processing

Abstract

Machine vibration can interfere with comfort at work, can accelerate the occurrence of fatigue and can cause health problems. Machine vibrations can reach the operator's arm through vibrations that are transmitted to the body locally through the hands. This research was conducted at CV Jati Mulia Timber Management, Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The research method used to obtain primary data is vibration measurement using a vibration meter and conducting interviews using a Symptom Severity Scale questionnaire. Data analysis was used to see the relationship between machine vibration and complaints of carpal tunnel syndrome in workers. The results of machine vibration measurements at the sawmill machine operator at CV Jati Mulia exceed the NAV with an average machine A of 9.66m/s2, an average machine B of 8.72 m/s2, and an average engine C of 11.18 m/s2. The intensity of the vibration of the sawmill machine exceeds the Threshold Limit Value (NAV) with a long exposure of 8 hours per day. This research indicated that most workers experience carpal tunnel syndrome complaints due to exposure to machine vibrations that exceed the Threshold Limit (NAV).