Worker Posture and Fatigue Assessment of Manual Handling Reject Sample in Sample House of Nickel Extraction Process
Abstract: One of the important
nickel extraction processes is mixing nickel ore into Dry Ore Storage (DOS)
material as the main intake of Kiln Reduction. To ensure mixed material
quality, DOS Sample House operators regularly takes sample and test the
homogeneity of samples manually. Material handled by lifting some buckets moved
to be mixed, then 1/8 of mixed sample tested and 7/8 disposed. This test
activity takes 15 minutes each for 35 samples in one shift. The aim of this
study was to evaluate posture, determine the prevalence of work-related
musculoskeletal disorder and fatigue of DOS Sample House II workers. Method: A
random sampling method according to mining work activity type was used to
obtain the sample. Total of seven workers data was collected by using Nordic
Body Map for symptoms and subjective workload using Rating of Perceived Exertion
(RPE) questionnaire; after they finished all tasks of their shift. Four out of
25 tasks in one test were selected (reject sample removal tasks) and assessed
using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Results: The mean age of seven
workers was 37,4 years, all men, and they worked for 4,2 years on average. In
one sample test, material needed to be lift were average 28,81 kg which above
the recommended weight. The highest prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal
disorder symptoms were lower back, right forearm, buttock, right shoulder and
hip. RPE scored range was 4 to 7 that their work makes them sweat a lot and
REBA scored range 8 to 10, which the risk is high, need investigation and
immediately implement changes. Conclusion: The overall finding indicated that
the process of selected tasks, reject sample removal task, will contribute to
musculoskeletal disorder either for a short or long time exposure. Future
research regarding this section needed to prevent or reduce the occurrence of
musculoskeletal disorder.
Keywords: manual handling;
mining; posture; REBA; RPE
Penulis: Rani Aulia Imran,
Ilham Bakri, Mulyadi, Asmar Yadri
Kode Jurnal: jpkesmasdd180100
