Ergonomic Study To Evaluate Risk Factors In Packaging Line At Food Production Industry

Thabet M.  Elrabei

doi:10.66411/jer.v27i.96

Authors

Thabet M. Elrabei Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benghazi, Libya Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66411/jer.v27i.96

Keywords:

WMSD, REBA, RULA, NIOSH, Packaging Line

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to investigate and evaluate the risk factors of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD) in packaging line at food production company. Awkward postures, manual handling of heavy loads, repetitive movements are the suspected risk factors for WMSD. The productivity of the workers is affected by WMSD which limits the movement of the workers. The ergonomic environment of comfort workplace condition is important to prevent the occurrence of the WMSD. The risk factors were evaluated and analyzed using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) using NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) lifting equation to recommend the ergonomic workplace environment based on the study condition. From the results, it is observed that the workers are exposed to the awkward postures that lead to Work-Musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Ergonomic intervention is needed to eliminate the risk of exposure to factors contribution to WMSDs in packaging line of food production

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