Ergonomic Solutions for a Safer Work Environment

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 127 views

Introduction

In the world of industrial production, safety and efficiency are crucial factors that determine the success of a company. UD. Darma's work, a business engaged in the field of Co-production production, faces serious problems related to non-ergonomic working conditions. Manual activities in the production process that involve bending and squatting have the potential to cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS) in operators. This study aims to identify and minimize MSDS risks by using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (Reba) method and Standard Nordic (SNQ) questionnaire.

The Problem of Non-Ergonomic Working Conditions

The analysis shows that the level of MSDS risk is very high in the activity of venting the cage, with a Reba score of 11 on the right and left body of the operator. Complaints experienced by operators include pain in the upper arm, forearm, waist, and back. This condition is a serious threat to the operator, as repetitive work in the long run can result in permanent muscle injury. The high risk potential of MSDS is a significant concern for UD. Darma's work, as it can lead to a large loss if not addressed properly.

The Cost of Inaction

The company can suffer a large loss if it does not make prevention efforts to MSDS. The cost of treatment and overtime to replace sick workers is estimated to reach Rp. 3,070,000. In addition, production performance will be disrupted due to delays in sending orders, resulting in additional financial losses. This highlights the importance of investing in safety measures to prevent MSDS and maintain productivity.

Ergonomic Solutions for a Safer Work Environment

The design of the proposed work facility in the form of additional press machines and adjustable borders (adjustable) is based on the principle of anthropometry. This solution not only improves operator's safety and health but also increases efficiency and productivity. The use of ergonomic principles in the design of work facilities is a high-value investment for companies and operators.

Design of Work Facilities for Making CoL

The proposed design of work facilities for making CoL involves the modification of press machines and the addition of bases for press machines. This investment is estimated to reduce the level of work posture category from "high" to "safe". The cost of this investment is Rp. 375,000, which is a cost-effective solution compared to the potential loss due to MSDS.

Benefits of Ergonomic Solutions

The benefits of ergonomic solutions in the design of work facilities are numerous. Not only do they improve operator's safety and health, but they also increase efficiency and productivity. The use of ergonomic principles in the design of work facilities is a high-value investment for companies and operators. By investing in safety measures, companies can reduce the risk of MSDS and maintain productivity.

Conclusion

Improvement of work facilities in UD. Darma's work is an important step to protect operators from MSDS risk and increase productivity. Investments made to repair press machines will be paid off by reducing the potential loss due to medical expenses, overtime, and production cessation. The application of ergonomic principles in the design of work facilities is a high-value investment for companies and operators.

Recommendations

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

The company should invest in the design of work facilities that incorporate ergonomic principles to reduce the risk of MSDS.
The company should provide training to operators on the proper use of equipment and the importance of maintaining a safe working environment.
The company should conduct regular assessments of the working environment to identify potential hazards and take corrective action.

Future Research Directions

This study highlights the importance of investing in safety measures to prevent MSDS and maintain productivity. Future research directions could include:

Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the working environment to identify potential hazards and develop strategies to mitigate them.
Developing and implementing a comprehensive safety program that includes training, regular assessments, and corrective action.
Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of ergonomic solutions to determine their effectiveness in reducing the risk of MSDS and maintaining productivity.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be noted:

The study was conducted in a single company and may not be generalizable to other companies.
The study relied on self-reported data from operators, which may be subject to bias.
The study did not control for other factors that may influence the risk of MSDS, such as age, sex, and work experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of investing in safety measures to prevent MSDS and maintain productivity. The design of work facilities that incorporate ergonomic principles is a high-value investment for companies and operators. By investing in safety measures, companies can reduce the risk of MSDS and maintain productivity.

Q: What is the main problem faced by UD. Darma's work in terms of working conditions?

A: The main problem faced by UD. Darma's work is non-ergonomic working conditions, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS) in operators. Manual activities in the production process that involve bending and squatting have the potential to cause MSDS.

Q: What is the Reba score, and how is it related to MSDS risk?

A: The Reba score is a method used to assess the risk of MSDS. A Reba score of 11 on the right and left body of the operator indicates a very high level of MSDS risk.

Q: What are the complaints experienced by operators in terms of MSDS?

A: Operators experience pain in the upper arm, forearm, waist, and back due to repetitive work in the long run.

Q: What is the estimated cost of treatment and overtime to replace sick workers?

A: The estimated cost of treatment and overtime to replace sick workers is Rp. 3,070,000.

Q: What is the proposed design of work facilities to reduce MSDS risk?

A: The proposed design of work facilities involves the modification of press machines and the addition of bases for press machines.

Q: What is the estimated cost of the proposed design of work facilities?

A: The estimated cost of the proposed design of work facilities is Rp. 375,000.

Q: What are the benefits of ergonomic solutions in the design of work facilities?

A: The benefits of ergonomic solutions in the design of work facilities include improved operator's safety and health, increased efficiency and productivity, and reduced risk of MSDS.

Q: What are the recommendations for companies to reduce MSDS risk?

A: The recommendations for companies include investing in the design of work facilities that incorporate ergonomic principles, providing training to operators on the proper use of equipment and the importance of maintaining a safe working environment, and conducting regular assessments of the working environment to identify potential hazards and take corrective action.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: The future research directions include conducting a comprehensive analysis of the working environment to identify potential hazards and develop strategies to mitigate them, developing and implementing a comprehensive safety program that includes training, regular assessments, and corrective action, and conducting a cost-benefit analysis of ergonomic solutions to determine their effectiveness in reducing the risk of MSDS and maintaining productivity.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the study being conducted in a single company and may not be generalizable to other companies, the study relying on self-reported data from operators, which may be subject to bias, and the study not controlling for other factors that may influence the risk of MSDS, such as age, sex, and work experience.

Q: What is the conclusion of this study?

A: The conclusion of this study is that the design of work facilities that incorporate ergonomic principles is a high-value investment for companies and operators. By investing in safety measures, companies can reduce the risk of MSDS and maintain productivity.