ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT OF MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING AT AN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Abstract

This study investigates ergonomic risks faced by manual material handling (MMH) workers performing repetitive loads carrying, holding, lifting, lowering, pushing and pulling activities. A total of 11 MMH workers was recruited to participate in the study. Methods used to collect data were Modified Nordic Questionnaire (MNQ), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and NIOSH Lifting Equation. MNQ result showed the MMH workers’ body parts that suffered pain are shoulders (63.6%), upper back (54.5%) and lower back (45.4%). The movements, which recorded high REBA score (i.e. 9) are twisting, lowering and lifting, which is considered as high risk. Based on NIOSH Lifting Equation, the value of RWL for MMH tasks is 15.82 and the lifting index (LI) is 0.73. The recommended control measures to be implemented in Company X include to limit the working time, administrative control, training, and reduce the weight of the load carried and lifted by the MMH workers.  

Keywords

• Ergonomics,manual handling,REBA,NIOSH,MNQ

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