The Relationship of Work Shift with Work Fatigue to Workers Processing Palm Oil Factory PTPN IV Kebun Bah Jambi 2016

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 61 views

The Relationship of Work Shift with Work Fatigue to Workers Processing Palm Oil Factory PTPN IV Kebun Bah Jambi 2016

Introduction

The palm oil industry is one of the largest industries in the world, with Indonesia being the largest producer of palm oil. The industry provides employment opportunities for millions of workers, including those working in processing palm oil factories. However, working in these factories can be physically and mentally demanding, leading to work fatigue. This study aims to investigate the relationship between work shifts and work fatigue levels in workers processing palm oil at PTPN IV Kebun Bah Jambi in 2016.

Background

PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV Kebun Bah Jambi is a palm oil processing factory located in Jawa Maraja Bah Jambi District and Tanah Java District, Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra Province. The company is engaged in plantation and processing of palm oil, producing crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel (PK). PTPN IV Kebun Bah Jambi implemented a two-shift work system, namely morning shift and night shift. The morning shift operates from 06.30-17.30 WIB, while the night shift operates from 17.30-06.30 WIB.

Methodology

This study uses an analytic survey method with a cross-sectional design to determine the relationship between work shifts and fatigue levels in workers in the processing department. The population studied consisted of 88 workers, with a sampling of 44 workers from the morning shift and 44 workers from the night shift. Work fatigue was measured using the fatigue questionnaire based on the Industrial Fatigue Research Committee (IFRC) scale, which classifies fatigue into four levels: low, medium, high, and very high.

Results

The results showed that in the morning shift (06.30-17.30 WIB) who worked for 11 hours, there were 9 people (10.2%) who experienced low fatigue levels, 53 people (60.2%) were at medium levels, and 26 people (29.6%) experienced a high level of fatigue. Meanwhile, at the night shift (17.30-06.30 WIB) with a working time of 13 hours, 35 people (39.8%) were found at medium levels and 53 people (60.2%) at high fatigue levels. Through the Non-Parametric Test of Kolmogorov-Smirnov, it was found that there was a significant relationship between work shifts with work fatigue levels (p = 0.001).

Discussion

The results of this study show that a longer work time, especially in night shifts, contributes significantly to the level of fatigue experienced by workers. This fatigue can interfere with the productivity and health of workers in the long run. The study also found that the night shift workers experienced higher levels of fatigue compared to the morning shift workers. This is likely due to the longer working hours and the fact that night shift workers have to work during the night, which can disrupt their sleep patterns and lead to fatigue.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of considering the work shift system in the palm oil industry. The study suggests that implementing a work rotation system can help reduce boredom and monotony, which can contribute to fatigue. The study also emphasizes the need for companies to consider improvements to the work shift system to minimize fatigue and improve productivity.

Recommendations

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

Implement a work rotation system to reduce boredom and monotony.
Consider improving the work shift system to minimize fatigue.
Provide training and education to workers on the importance of fatigue management.
Encourage workers to take regular breaks and practice stress-reducing techniques.
Consider implementing flexible work arrangements to allow workers to work at times that suit them best.

Implications

The findings of this study have implications for the palm oil industry, particularly in terms of work fatigue management. The study highlights the need for companies to consider the work shift system and implement measures to minimize fatigue. The study also emphasizes the importance of providing a better and more humane work environment for workers.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted in a single factory, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the dynamic nature of work fatigue. Finally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases.

Future Research

Future research should aim to replicate this study in other factories and industries to confirm the findings. Additionally, future research should explore the impact of work fatigue on productivity and health outcomes. Finally, future research should investigate the effectiveness of different interventions aimed at reducing work fatigue.

References

Industrial Fatigue Research Committee (IFRC). (2016). Fatigue Questionnaire.
PTPN IV Kebun Bah Jambi. (2016). Annual Report.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Occupational Health.

Appendix

Table 1: Demographic characteristics of the participants.
Table 2: Fatigue levels of the participants.
Figure 1: Distribution of fatigue levels among morning shift workers.
Figure 2: Distribution of fatigue levels among night shift workers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Work Fatigue in Palm Oil Processing Factories

Q: What is work fatigue?

A: Work fatigue is a state of physical, mental, or emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged or intense work. It can lead to decreased productivity, increased errors, and decreased job satisfaction.

Q: What are the causes of work fatigue in palm oil processing factories?

A: The causes of work fatigue in palm oil processing factories include:

Long working hours
Physical demands of the job
Mental demands of the job
Lack of breaks and rest periods
Poor working conditions
Insufficient training and support

Q: What are the effects of work fatigue on workers?

A: The effects of work fatigue on workers include:

Decreased productivity
Increased errors
Decreased job satisfaction
Increased absenteeism and turnover
Decreased physical and mental health
Increased risk of injury and illness

Q: How can work fatigue be prevented or reduced?

A: Work fatigue can be prevented or reduced by:

Implementing a work rotation system
Providing regular breaks and rest periods
Improving working conditions
Providing training and support
Encouraging workers to take care of their physical and mental health
Implementing flexible work arrangements

Q: What is a work rotation system?

A: A work rotation system is a scheduling system that allows workers to rotate through different tasks or shifts to reduce the physical and mental demands of the job.

Q: How can workers manage their work fatigue?

A: Workers can manage their work fatigue by:

Taking regular breaks and rest periods
Engaging in physical activity and exercise
Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation and deep breathing
Getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy diet
Seeking support from colleagues and supervisors
Reporting any symptoms of work fatigue to their supervisor

Q: What is the role of management in preventing or reducing work fatigue?

A: Management plays a critical role in preventing or reducing work fatigue by:

Implementing policies and procedures to reduce work fatigue
Providing training and support to workers
Encouraging workers to take care of their physical and mental health
Monitoring worker fatigue and taking action to address it
Providing a safe and healthy work environment

Q: What are the benefits of reducing work fatigue in palm oil processing factories?

A: The benefits of reducing work fatigue in palm oil processing factories include:

Increased productivity
Improved job satisfaction
Decreased absenteeism and turnover
Improved physical and mental health
Increased safety and reduced risk of injury and illness
Improved reputation and competitiveness

Q: How can palm oil processing factories measure and monitor work fatigue?

A: Palm oil processing factories can measure and monitor work fatigue by:

Conducting regular surveys and assessments of worker fatigue
Monitoring worker performance and productivity
Tracking worker absenteeism and turnover
Conducting regular safety inspections and audits
Providing training and support to workers on work fatigue management

Q: What are the implications of work fatigue for the palm oil industry?

A: The implications of work fatigue for the palm oil industry include:

Decreased productivity and competitiveness
Increased costs and expenses
Decreased reputation and brand image
Increased risk of injury and illness
Decreased worker satisfaction and engagement
Decreased ability to attract and retain top talent

Q: What can be done to address work fatigue in the palm oil industry?

A: To address work fatigue in the palm oil industry, the following can be done:

Implement policies and procedures to reduce work fatigue
Provide training and support to workers
Encourage workers to take care of their physical and mental health
Monitor worker fatigue and take action to address it
Provide a safe and healthy work environment
Conduct regular surveys and assessments of worker fatigue
Monitor worker performance and productivity
Track worker absenteeism and turnover
Conduct regular safety inspections and audits.