Improve mental workload management

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 85 views

Analysis of Physical and Mental Workload Using the Cardiovascular Load and NASA-TLX Methods at PT. XYZ

Introduction

In today's fast-paced work environment, workers are often exposed to various types of workload, including physical and mental demands. These demands can have a significant impact on workers' health and productivity, making it essential to understand and manage them effectively. This study aims to analyze the physical and mental workload experienced by workers at PT. XYZ, a company that operates in the food processing industry. The study focuses on the frying station and slaughtering and washing stations, where workers are exposed to high levels of physical and mental demands.

The Importance of Workload Analysis

Workload analysis is a crucial aspect of occupational health and safety. It helps to identify potential risks and hazards associated with work activities, allowing employers to take preventive measures to reduce the impact on workers' health. Physical workload, in particular, can have a significant impact on workers' health, leading to musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. Mental workload, on the other hand, can affect workers' mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression.

The Method Used

To measure physical workload, this study uses the cardiovascular load (CVL) method, which measures the workload based on the body's physiological response to physical activity. The CVL method is a widely used and accepted method for assessing physical workload, as it takes into account various factors, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption. To measure mental workload, this study uses the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), which is an effective tool for assessing individual perception of their mental workload. The NASA-TLX method takes into account various dimensions, such as mental, physical, and time, to provide a comprehensive assessment of mental workload.

Research Result

The results obtained from this study show that the highest physical workload is in frying station workers, with a CVL percentage value of 60.109%. This indicates that the activity at the frying station has a fairly high intensity, which has the potential to affect the health of workers in the long run. In addition, the measurement of mental workload also indicates that all workers are in the high category, with the highest NASA-TLX scores reaching 74. This score illustrates the high level of stress and mental demands experienced by workers, which can interfere with their performance and welfare.

Correlation Analysis

Correlation test using Pearson Product Moment was carried out to understand the relationship between physical and mental workload experienced by workers. From the results of the analysis, a significant negative correlation was found (R = -0.672) between physical and mental workload, with a significance value of 0.068. This shows that the higher the physical workload received by workers, the lower the mental workload that is felt, or vice versa.

Additional Explanation

This negative correlation can be explained from a psychological and physiological point of view. Work that requires high physical sometimes distracts workers from the mental aspects that can add stress. However, if the physical workload exceeds the ability limit, this can cause fatigue which ultimately increases mental stress. In other words, physical workloads that are too heavy can have implications for the mental health of workers, creating adverse cycles.

Conclusion

This study provides an important insight into the physical and mental workload experienced by workers at PT. XYZ, especially at the frying and cutting station. These findings should trigger improvement steps to reduce excessive workload, both physically and mentally, in order to maintain the health and productivity of workers. By understanding the correlation between these two types of workloads, company management can design better interventions to create a healthier and sustainable work environment.

Recommendations

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

Reduce physical workload: The company should take steps to reduce the physical workload experienced by workers, particularly at the frying station. This can be achieved by implementing ergonomic design principles, providing regular breaks, and training workers on proper lifting techniques.
Improve mental workload management: The company should provide training and resources to help workers manage their mental workload, including stress management techniques, time management skills, and communication strategies.
Monitor worker health: The company should regularly monitor the health and well-being of workers, including their physical and mental health, to identify potential risks and hazards associated with work activities.
Design a healthier work environment: The company should design a healthier work environment that takes into account the physical and mental demands of work activities. This can include providing a comfortable and safe working environment, reducing noise levels, and providing access to natural light and fresh air.

By implementing these recommendations, PT. XYZ can create a healthier and more sustainable work environment that benefits both workers and the company as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Physical and Mental Workload Analysis

Q: What is physical workload, and why is it important to measure it?

A: Physical workload refers to the physical demands of a job, including tasks that require physical effort, such as lifting, bending, and carrying. Measuring physical workload is important because it can help identify potential risks and hazards associated with work activities, such as musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.

Q: What is mental workload, and why is it important to measure it?

A: Mental workload refers to the mental demands of a job, including tasks that require cognitive effort, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and attention. Measuring mental workload is important because it can help identify potential risks and hazards associated with work activities, such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

Q: What methods are used to measure physical and mental workload?

A: The methods used to measure physical and mental workload include:

Cardiovascular load (CVL) method: measures the workload based on the body's physiological response to physical activity
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX): measures individual perception of mental workload
Pearson Product Moment correlation test: measures the relationship between physical and mental workload

Q: What are the benefits of conducting a physical and mental workload analysis?

A: The benefits of conducting a physical and mental workload analysis include:

Identifying potential risks and hazards associated with work activities
Reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems
Improving worker health and well-being
Increasing productivity and efficiency
Reducing absenteeism and turnover

Q: How can employers reduce physical and mental workload?

A: Employers can reduce physical and mental workload by:

Implementing ergonomic design principles
Providing regular breaks and training on proper lifting techniques
Providing training and resources to help workers manage their mental workload
Designing a healthier work environment that takes into account the physical and mental demands of work activities

Q: What are some common mistakes employers make when conducting a physical and mental workload analysis?

A: Some common mistakes employers make when conducting a physical and mental workload analysis include:

Failing to involve workers in the analysis process
Not considering the physical and mental demands of work activities
Not providing adequate training and resources to help workers manage their workload
Not monitoring worker health and well-being

Q: How can employers ensure that their physical and mental workload analysis is accurate and reliable?

A: Employers can ensure that their physical and mental workload analysis is accurate and reliable by:

Using validated and reliable methods to measure physical and mental workload
Involving workers in the analysis process
Considering the physical and mental demands of work activities
Providing adequate training and resources to help workers manage their workload
Monitoring worker health and well-being

Q: What are some best practices for conducting a physical and mental workload analysis?

A: Some best practices for conducting a physical and mental workload analysis include:

Conducting regular analyses to identify potential risks and hazards associated with work activities
Involving workers in the analysis process
Considering the physical and mental demands of work activities
Providing adequate training and resources to help workers manage their workload
Monitoring worker health and well-being

By following these best practices and avoiding common mistakes, employers can ensure that their physical and mental workload analysis is accurate and reliable, and that they are taking steps to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.