Challenges in Laundry Work Environment

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 80 views

Design of the Physical Work Environment of the Hospital Laundry Unit with a Participatory Approach

The work environment in hospital laundry units has its own unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to high ergonomic risk. The work process involving the appointment, transportation, and withdrawal of linen is often still done manually, thereby increasing the possibility of muscle and skeletal disorders due to work (gotrak). At present, the physical work environment in the Laundry Unit of the University of North Sumatra (USU) has not met the standards set by the government through PMK/no. 7/2019. Therefore, it is essential to redesign the physical work environment with a participatory approach that aims to reduce the risk of gotrak.

Challenges in Laundry Work Environment

One of the main challenges faced by workers in the laundry unit is the discomfort caused by work tools and the environment that is not ergonomic. Workers often have to lift heavy loads that can cause stress in the muscles and spine. In addition, existing equipment and facilities often do not support work efficiency, thus forcing workers to make unnatural and recurrent movements. This can lead to a range of health problems, including musculoskeletal disorders, back pain, and even long-term damage to the body.

The laundry work environment is a high-risk area for workers, with many tasks requiring manual lifting, bending, and twisting. This can put a significant strain on the body, particularly the muscles and joints. The use of heavy machinery and equipment can also contribute to the risk of injury, particularly if workers are not properly trained or if the equipment is not properly maintained.

Participatory Approach in Design

Participatory approach in the design of the work environment involves workers in the design process, giving them a voice to convey their needs and input. Thus, the resulting design can be more in accordance with the real conditions faced by workers in the field. Involving workers not only increases comfort, but can also increase productivity and job satisfaction.

By involving workers in the design process, it is possible to create a work environment that is tailored to their specific needs and requirements. This can include designing equipment and facilities that are more ergonomic, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall comfort. It can also involve training workers on how to use new equipment and facilities, as well as providing them with the necessary support and resources to perform their jobs safely and effectively.

In this study, it was proposed to design a dirty linen trolley equipped with a hydraulic system. This design is expected to reduce physical burden when transporting linen, thereby reducing the risk of gotrak. Hydraulic trolley will allow workers to move heavy loads without having to lift it manually, thereby reducing pressure on the muscles and joints.

Organizational Intervention

The importance of organizational support in the implementation of new design cannot be ignored. Interventions from management to apply new designs and provide training to workers are crucial. Through training, workers will better understand how to use new tools correctly and efficiently, as well as the importance of maintaining physical health at work.

Organizational support is essential for the successful implementation of new designs and the creation of a safer, more comfortable, and productive work environment. This can include providing workers with the necessary training and resources to use new equipment and facilities, as well as offering support and guidance to help them adapt to changes in the work environment.

Benefits of Participatory Approach

The benefits of a participatory approach in the design of the work environment are numerous. By involving workers in the design process, it is possible to create a work environment that is tailored to their specific needs and requirements. This can include designing equipment and facilities that are more ergonomic, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall comfort.

In addition, a participatory approach can also increase productivity and job satisfaction. When workers are involved in the design process, they are more likely to be invested in the outcome and to take ownership of their work. This can lead to improved morale and motivation, as well as increased productivity and efficiency.

Conclusion

Design of the physical work environment of the Hospital Laundry Unit with a participatory approach has been proven to be an effective solution to reduce the risk of muscle and skeletal disorders due to work (gotrak). By designing more ergonomic work facilities, such as dirty linen trolley that use a hydraulic system, as well as involving workers in the design process, it is expected to create a safer, more comfortable and productive work environment. Collaborative efforts between workers and management are the key to success in improving the quality of the work environment in the Hospital Laundry Unit.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Involve workers in the design process to create a work environment that is tailored to their specific needs and requirements.
Design equipment and facilities that are more ergonomic, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall comfort.
Provide workers with the necessary training and resources to use new equipment and facilities.
Offer support and guidance to help workers adapt to changes in the work environment.
Implement organizational interventions to support the implementation of new designs and the creation of a safer, more comfortable, and productive work environment.

By following these recommendations, it is possible to create a work environment that is safer, more comfortable, and more productive, reducing the risk of muscle and skeletal disorders due to work (gotrak) and improving overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions: Design of the Physical Work Environment of the Hospital Laundry Unit with a Participatory Approach

In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions related to the design of the physical work environment of the hospital laundry unit with a participatory approach.

Q: What is the main challenge faced by workers in the laundry unit?

A: One of the main challenges faced by workers in the laundry unit is the discomfort caused by work tools and the environment that is not ergonomic. Workers often have to lift heavy loads that can cause stress in the muscles and spine.

Q: What is the purpose of a participatory approach in the design of the work environment?

A: The purpose of a participatory approach in the design of the work environment is to involve workers in the design process, giving them a voice to convey their needs and input. This approach aims to create a work environment that is tailored to the specific needs and requirements of workers.

Q: What is the benefit of involving workers in the design process?

A: Involving workers in the design process can increase comfort, productivity, and job satisfaction. It also allows workers to take ownership of their work and be more invested in the outcome.

Q: What is the proposed design for the dirty linen trolley?

A: The proposed design for the dirty linen trolley is equipped with a hydraulic system. This design is expected to reduce physical burden when transporting linen, thereby reducing the risk of gotrak.

Q: What is the importance of organizational support in the implementation of new design?

A: Organizational support is essential for the successful implementation of new designs and the creation of a safer, more comfortable, and productive work environment. This can include providing workers with the necessary training and resources to use new equipment and facilities.

Q: What are the benefits of a participatory approach in the design of the work environment?

A: The benefits of a participatory approach in the design of the work environment are numerous. It can lead to improved morale and motivation, increased productivity and efficiency, and a safer, more comfortable, and more productive work environment.

Q: What are the recommendations for implementing a participatory approach in the design of the work environment?

A: The recommendations for implementing a participatory approach in the design of the work environment include:

Involve workers in the design process to create a work environment that is tailored to their specific needs and requirements.
Design equipment and facilities that are more ergonomic, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall comfort.
Provide workers with the necessary training and resources to use new equipment and facilities.
Offer support and guidance to help workers adapt to changes in the work environment.
Implement organizational interventions to support the implementation of new designs and the creation of a safer, more comfortable, and productive work environment.

Q: What is the expected outcome of the participatory approach in the design of the work environment?

A: The expected outcome of the participatory approach in the design of the work environment is a safer, more comfortable, and more productive work environment. This can lead to improved morale and motivation, increased productivity and efficiency, and a reduction in the risk of muscle and skeletal disorders due to work (gotrak).

Q: How can workers and management collaborate to improve the quality of the work environment?

A: Workers and management can collaborate to improve the quality of the work environment by working together to design a work environment that is tailored to the specific needs and requirements of workers. This can include involving workers in the design process, providing them with the necessary training and resources, and offering support and guidance to help them adapt to changes in the work environment.

By working together, workers and management can create a work environment that is safer, more comfortable, and more productive, reducing the risk of muscle and skeletal disorders due to work (gotrak) and improving overall well-being.