Design of ergonomic work aids

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 76 views

Design of Working Aids for Inspection Operators at the Sutting Station with an Ergonomics Approach at PT. Florindo Makmur Medan

Introduction

PT. Florindo Makmur Medan is a company engaged in the manufacturing of cassava processing into tapioca flour, with a daily production of around 420 tons. The company operates in two work shifts for 25 days a month, with a total of 24 operators working at each shift. The operators work in seven work stations, including the Greening Station, where the inspection process takes place. However, the current working conditions at the Greening Station do not support the efficiency and health of the operators. The chair used by the operators has a height of 35 cm, while the conveyor belt wall is as high as 50 cm and a length of 60 cm. This non-ergonomic work attitude causes unnatural muscle movements and energy waste, which can ultimately risk causing muscle fatigue and injury.

The Importance of Ergonomic Work Aids Design

The main objective of this research is to design work aids that can increase the comfort and productivity of inspection operators at the STILLETE station. This design is expected to reduce the complaints of musculoskeletal that are often experienced by operators. The research took place between September 2016 and January 2017 at PT. Florindo Makmur Medan, with a focus on identifying the physical complaints of operators through interviews and distribution of health survey (SNQ). The interview results show complaints of pain that focuses on certain body parts.

From the analysis, it was found that the average score of the complaints of musculoskeletal inspection operators reached 42. The highest percentage of complaints occurred on the left and right shoulder and buttocks, reaching 6.587%. Meanwhile, the waist and buttocks record the percentage of 5.988%. Complaints to the back, arms, elbows, and wrists are also significant, with a percentage of 5,389%. The results of the assessment of the pain level show that 41.96% of the operators experienced illness, 17.86% felt very sick, and 11.61% felt somewhat sick.

Work Posture Assessment and Design Implementation

To understand more deeply about the operator's work posture, an assessment is carried out using a Reba Worksheet. The score obtained shows that the operator's work posture is in the moderate risk category, so immediate improvement is needed. The improvement action taken in this study was to design work aids such as chairs, tables, and cutting devices that were adjusted to the body's body dimensions.

Anthropometric data collected is the basis for designing ergonomic tools. By using the principle of anthropometry, it is important to understand extreme dimensions, such as shoulder and hip width, as well as horizontal range when sitting and diameter of grip. In addition, the average dimension, such as the height of the sitting elbow and the height of the popliteal is also taken into account. By processing this data, the design of appropriate tools can be produced, assisting operators in carrying out their duties more efficiently and comfortably.

Design of Ergonomic Work Aids

The design of ergonomic work aids is a crucial step in creating a healthier and more efficient work environment. The design of work aids such as chairs, tables, and cutting devices should be adjusted to the body's body dimensions. The use of anthropometric data is essential in designing ergonomic tools that can assist operators in carrying out their duties more efficiently and comfortably.

The design of ergonomic work aids should take into account the following factors:

Anthropometric data: The use of anthropometric data is essential in designing ergonomic tools that can assist operators in carrying out their duties more efficiently and comfortably.
Work posture analysis: The analysis of work posture is crucial in identifying the physical complaints of operators and designing work aids that can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Ergonomic principles: The design of ergonomic work aids should be based on ergonomic principles, such as the principle of anthropometry, to ensure that the tools are designed to fit the body's body dimensions.

Conclusion

Ergonomic Working Aid Design at PT. Florindo Makmur Medan is expected to not only increase operator comfort, but also reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury. With better working conditions, operator productivity will also increase, which ultimately contributes to the company's success in meeting the target production of tapioca flour. Design implementation based on anthropometric data and work posture analysis is an important step in creating a healthier and more efficient work environment.

Recommendations

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

Design of ergonomic work aids: The design of ergonomic work aids should be based on anthropometric data and work posture analysis to ensure that the tools are designed to fit the body's body dimensions.
Implementation of ergonomic principles: The implementation of ergonomic principles, such as the principle of anthropometry, is essential in designing ergonomic tools that can assist operators in carrying out their duties more efficiently and comfortably.
Training and education: Training and education programs should be implemented to educate operators on the importance of ergonomic work aids and how to use them correctly.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study is small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited scope: The scope of this study is limited to the Greening Station, which may not be representative of other work stations in the company.
Lack of control group: This study does not have a control group, which may limit the ability to determine the effectiveness of the ergonomic work aids design.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

Design of ergonomic work aids: Further research is needed to design ergonomic work aids that can assist operators in carrying out their duties more efficiently and comfortably.
Implementation of ergonomic principles: Further research is needed to implement ergonomic principles, such as the principle of anthropometry, in the design of ergonomic tools.
Training and education: Further research is needed to develop training and education programs that can educate operators on the importance of ergonomic work aids and how to use them correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ergonomic Work Aids Design

Q: What is ergonomic work aids design?

A: Ergonomic work aids design is the process of designing tools and equipment that are tailored to the specific needs of workers, with the goal of reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injury and improving overall comfort and productivity.

Q: Why is ergonomic work aids design important?

A: Ergonomic work aids design is important because it can help to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury, improve overall comfort and productivity, and increase employee satisfaction and retention.

Q: What are some common ergonomic design principles?

A: Some common ergonomic design principles include:

Anthropometric data: The use of anthropometric data to design tools and equipment that fit the body's body dimensions.
Work posture analysis: The analysis of work posture to identify areas where workers may be at risk of injury.
Ergonomic principles: The use of ergonomic principles, such as the principle of anthropometry, to design tools and equipment that are tailored to the specific needs of workers.

Q: How can I design ergonomic work aids?

A: To design ergonomic work aids, you can follow these steps:

Conduct a work posture analysis: Analyze the work posture of workers to identify areas where they may be at risk of injury.
Collect anthropometric data: Collect anthropometric data to design tools and equipment that fit the body's body dimensions.
Use ergonomic principles: Use ergonomic principles, such as the principle of anthropometry, to design tools and equipment that are tailored to the specific needs of workers.
Test and refine: Test and refine the design of the ergonomic work aids to ensure that they are effective and comfortable for workers.

Q: What are some common ergonomic design mistakes?

A: Some common ergonomic design mistakes include:

Ignoring anthropometric data: Ignoring anthropometric data can lead to the design of tools and equipment that do not fit the body's body dimensions.
Failing to conduct a work posture analysis: Failing to conduct a work posture analysis can lead to the design of tools and equipment that do not take into account the specific needs of workers.
Using ergonomic principles incorrectly: Using ergonomic principles incorrectly can lead to the design of tools and equipment that are not tailored to the specific needs of workers.

Q: How can I implement ergonomic work aids in my workplace?

A: To implement ergonomic work aids in your workplace, you can follow these steps:

Conduct a workplace assessment: Conduct a workplace assessment to identify areas where workers may be at risk of injury.
Design ergonomic work aids: Design ergonomic work aids that are tailored to the specific needs of workers.
Implement the ergonomic work aids: Implement the ergonomic work aids in the workplace.
Train and educate workers: Train and educate workers on the use and benefits of the ergonomic work aids.

Q: What are some benefits of ergonomic work aids?

A: Some benefits of ergonomic work aids include:

Reduced risk of musculoskeletal injury: Ergonomic work aids can help to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury by providing a comfortable and supportive work environment.
Improved comfort and productivity: Ergonomic work aids can help to improve comfort and productivity by providing a work environment that is tailored to the specific needs of workers.
Increased employee satisfaction and retention: Ergonomic work aids can help to increase employee satisfaction and retention by providing a work environment that is comfortable and supportive.

Q: How can I measure the effectiveness of ergonomic work aids?

A: To measure the effectiveness of ergonomic work aids, you can use the following metrics:

Injury rates: Measure the injury rates of workers before and after the implementation of ergonomic work aids.
Comfort and productivity surveys: Conduct surveys to measure the comfort and productivity of workers before and after the implementation of ergonomic work aids.
Employee satisfaction surveys: Conduct surveys to measure the employee satisfaction and retention before and after the implementation of ergonomic work aids.