Anthropometric measurements

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 69 views

Ergonomic Work Facility Design for 1500 Ml Product Pallet Operators at PT. Tirta Sibayakindo

Introduction

In today's fast-paced industrial environment, companies are constantly seeking ways to improve their operational efficiency, productivity, and most importantly, the safety and well-being of their employees. PT. Tirta Sibayakindo, a national private company specializing in the production of aqua and vitamin-bottled water, is no exception. The company faces significant challenges in creating a safe and comfortable work environment for its operators, particularly in the 1500 ml product pallet line. The primary concern is the high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among operators, which are often caused by the discrepancy between the work facilities and the size of the operator's anthropometry.

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant occupational health concern worldwide, affecting millions of workers each year. In the context of PT. Tirta Sibayakindo, the 1500 ml product pallet line is a critical area where operators are exposed to various ergonomic risks, including awkward postures, repetitive movements, and heavy lifting. These risks can lead to MSDs, which can have severe consequences for the operators' health, productivity, and overall quality of life.

Methodology

To address the ergonomic challenges in the 1500 ml product pallet line, this study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. The research involved:

Interviews: In-depth interviews were conducted with operators, supervisors, and other relevant stakeholders to gather information on the current work environment, ergonomic challenges, and potential solutions.
Observation: Observational studies were conducted to identify ergonomic risks and opportunities for improvement in the 1500 ml product pallet line.
Anthropometric measurements: Employee anthropometric measurements were taken to determine the size and shape of the operators, including their height, forearm length, elbow height, shoulder height, and hand range.
Company document analysis: Relevant company documents, such as safety protocols and operational procedures, were analyzed to identify existing ergonomic guidelines and best practices.

Results

The analysis of the collected data revealed several key findings:

Current work facility design: The current work facility design in the 1500 ml product pallet line is not ergonomic, with several design elements that contribute to the risk of MSDs.
Operator anthropometry: The 5th percentile representing the operator with the smallest posture indicates an upright height of 157 cm, forearm length of 20 cm, elbow height of 91 cm, shoulder height of 130 cm, and hand range of 159 cm.
Ergonomic recommendations: Based on the anthropometric data, several recommendations for improving the work facilities in the 1500 ml product pallet line were identified, including:
- Adjusting the altitude of the conveyor roller: The initial height of the conveyor roller is 35 cm, which is too low for operators with a shoulder height of 130 cm. The recommended height is 135 cm, which can be achieved by raising the working floor by 95 cm (135 cm - 35 cm = 95 cm).
- Implementing a pallet appointment system: Pallets should be raised using hydraulic aids to reduce the need for operators to bend and lift heavy pallets.

The Importance of Ergonomic Principles

The application of ergonomic principles in the design of work facilities is crucial for improving occupational safety and health. By designing work facilities that are in accordance with the size of the operator's anthropometry, companies can:

Prevent the emergence of complaints of musculoskeletal disorders: Ergonomic work postures reduce the workload of muscles and joints, thereby minimizing the risk of MSDs.
Increase productivity: Comfortable operators work will be more focused and productive.
Reduce the attendance rate: Lower work injury risk will reduce the attendance rate and increase operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Improving work facilities in the 1500 ml pallet line in accordance with the size of the operator's anthropometry is an essential step in creating an ergonomic work environment. The application of ergonomic principles is not only to meet work safety standards but also to improve the quality of life of operators and company productivity. By implementing the recommended ergonomic design changes, PT. Tirta Sibayakindo can reduce the risk of MSDs, improve operator comfort and productivity, and ultimately, enhance the overall well-being of its employees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ergonomic Work Facility Design for 1500 Ml Product Pallet Operators at PT. Tirta Sibayakindo

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to improve the work facilities in the 1500 ml product pallet line at PT. Tirta Sibayakindo to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among operators.

Q: What are the common ergonomic risks faced by operators in the 1500 ml product pallet line?

A: The common ergonomic risks faced by operators in the 1500 ml product pallet line include awkward postures, repetitive movements, and heavy lifting, which can lead to MSDs.

Q: What is the significance of anthropometric data in designing ergonomic work facilities?

A: Anthropometric data is essential in designing ergonomic work facilities as it provides information on the size and shape of the operators, including their height, forearm length, elbow height, shoulder height, and hand range.

Q: What are the recommended ergonomic design changes for the 1500 ml product pallet line?

A: The recommended ergonomic design changes for the 1500 ml product pallet line include adjusting the altitude of the conveyor roller to 135 cm and implementing a pallet appointment system using hydraulic aids.

Q: How can ergonomic principles improve occupational safety and health?

A: Ergonomic principles can improve occupational safety and health by reducing the risk of MSDs, increasing productivity, and reducing the attendance rate.

Q: What are the benefits of implementing ergonomic design changes in the 1500 ml product pallet line?

A: The benefits of implementing ergonomic design changes in the 1500 ml product pallet line include reducing the risk of MSDs, improving operator comfort and productivity, and enhancing the overall well-being of employees.

Q: How can PT. Tirta Sibayakindo ensure that the ergonomic design changes are effective?

A: PT. Tirta Sibayakindo can ensure that the ergonomic design changes are effective by conducting regular monitoring and evaluation of the work environment, providing training to operators on ergonomic principles, and encouraging feedback from employees.

Q: What is the role of management in promoting ergonomic design changes?

A: Management plays a crucial role in promoting ergonomic design changes by providing resources and support for the implementation of ergonomic design changes, encouraging a culture of safety and health, and leading by example.

Q: How can employees contribute to the implementation of ergonomic design changes?

A: Employees can contribute to the implementation of ergonomic design changes by providing feedback on the work environment, participating in training programs on ergonomic principles, and reporting any ergonomic concerns or hazards.

Q: What are the long-term benefits of implementing ergonomic design changes?

A: The long-term benefits of implementing ergonomic design changes include reducing the risk of MSDs, improving employee morale and engagement, and enhancing the overall reputation of the company.

Q: How can PT. Tirta Sibayakindo measure the success of ergonomic design changes?

A: PT. Tirta Sibayakindo can measure the success of ergonomic design changes by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as injury rates, absenteeism, and employee satisfaction.