Testing and evaluation of newly developed pineapple harvesting basket among pineapple harvesters in Johor, Malaysia.

SUHAIMI, SITI NUR ALYA (2022) Testing and evaluation of newly developed pineapple harvesting basket among pineapple harvesters in Johor, Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text FPSK4 2022 51.pdf Download (2MB)

Abstract

Introduction: Pineapple harvesting work contributes to the reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and ergonomic risks. Pineapples are harvested manually in some parts of Malaysia using rattan baskets and workers are exposed to excessive bending, pain and discomfort. Objectives: The aim of the study is to test and evaluate the newly developed harvesting basket in terms of the physiological workload, body parts discomfort, perception of the harvesters towards the new basket, and risk level of musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs) associated with harvesting using different type of basket. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among pineapple harvesters in Muar, Johor. Data of 25 harvesters was collected using questionnaires that consisted of standard scales namely Borg CR-10 Scale to assess body part discomfort of harvesters while using both baskets. The data collection process commenced with the administration of questionnaires and the basket testing simulation process. Fitbit Fitness Smartwatch to measure the heart rate of respondents and were then used to calculate the physiological workload. Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tool is used to measure the risk level of awkward posture while performing harvesting tasks using both baskets. The perception of harvesters to the use of the new harvesting basket was assessed using a modified questionnaire. The descriptive analysis was used to analyze the perceptions of respondents towards the new basket. Paired t-test was used to analyze the comparison of physiological workload and REBA score of both baskets. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the body parts discomfort while using different types of baskets. Results and Discussion: There is a significant differences (p>0.001) between the physiological workload of the harvesters while using the rattan basket (6.6 ± 0.9 Kj-min) and the new basket (5.0 ± 1.1 Kj-min). iTheidiscomfort of the harvesters was improved while using new basket compared to the rattan ibasket The postural analysis using REBA shows that by using new basket the awkward posture risk level of harvesters reduced from high-risk level (rattan basket) to medium risk level (new basket). Most of the harvesters perceived that the new harvesting basket fulfils harvesters needs. Conclusion: The newly developed harvesting basket has the ability to improve pineapple harvesters' work posture, discomfort, and physiological workload during the harvesting process. It has the potential to decrease the number of reported MSS incidents among pineapple harvesters.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	24 Aug 2023 04:34
Last Modified:	24 Aug 2023 04:34
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1211

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