The assessment of Anthropometric measurement and development of harvesting basket for harvester at selected areas in Johor

MANSOR, FAUZIATUL SYUHADA (2020) The assessment of Anthropometric measurement and development of harvesting basket for harvester at selected areas in Johor. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Pineapple harvesting has been associated with the highest ergonomic risk factors when compared to other work tasks in pineapple fields. A harvesting basket prototype have been previously designed however the testing was not carried out on actual pineapple harvesters. This study aimed to assess the anthropometric measurement and to measure the physiological workload, perceived exertion and discomfort related to the use of a rattan harvesting basket and a prototype basket. In addition, this study seeks to determine the perception of respondents to the use of the harvesting baskets and to finally develop a prototype for an ergonomic pineapple harvesting basket by incorporating the data collected. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among pineapple harvesters in Johor. Data of 27 harvesters was collected using questionnaires that consisted of standard scales namely Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) to assess perceived exertion and Borg CR-10 Scale to assess discomfort. The data collection process commenced with the administration of questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Fitbit Fitness Smartwatch was used to determine heart rate variation which were then used to calculate energy expenditure as a measure of physiological workload. Perception of respondents to the use of basket was assessed using self-constructed questionnaire. The descriptive analysis was used to analyse the RPE, discomfort, and perceptions of respondents towards both basket and the comparison of heart rate and energy expenditure between both baskets were determined using the independent t-test. Results were then used to design a new harvesting basket. Result: This study found that there were no significant differences between physiological workload measured during the use of rattan basket and prototype basket. The heart rate and energy expenditure of respondents were as follows: rattan basket, Average Heart Rate (AHR) =104.9±14.8) bpm and Energy Expenditure (EE)=7.9±2.3) Kj-min; while prototype, AHR=108.4±14.7) bpm and EE=8.5±2.3) Kj-min (t-value=-0.8, p=0.40). The average (standard deviation) RPE of the respondents were 8.76 ± 1.64 and waist had the highest Borg CR-10 scale (2.7±2.6) followed by middle back (2.1±2.6) and lower back (2.0±2.7) respectively. Majority of the respondents satisfied their rattan basket (67%) and most of them said that the prototype basket did not fulfil their expectation. The design and development of the basket were then commenced, and a new prototype was designed by a third party. Conclusion: Pineapple harvesters needs to use ergonomic tools in performing their task to ensure the safety and health of the workers are well taken care of. The basket developed will reduce the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorder among harvester. Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD), heart rate, energy expenditure, discomfort, ergonomic basket

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2023 01:13
Last Modified:	21 Feb 2023 01:13
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/794

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