Subjective complaints and evaluation of work posture on shredded tuna fish floss micro-industry worker

¹ Industrial Engineering Department, Universitas Hasanuddin, Gowa, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
² Industrial Engineering Department, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purbalingga, Central Java, Indonesia
³ Maritime Business and Logistics Bachelor of Applied Science, Maritim AMI Makassar Polytechnic, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: rani.aulia.imran@unsoed.ac.id

Abstract

SMEs have an important role in Parepare City’s economy and have great potential to be developed. However, this work system has potential hazards and health risks to its workers, one of them is postures. Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in many countries at any level of industry. The micro-industry has a higher potential risk related to the limitations of technology and equipment, so the production process is more familiar with human labor. UD Lela Mandiri is located in Parepare City, South Sulawesi. This study aims to identify workers’ subjective complaints and analyze work postures in the UD micro-scale food industry. Workers’ complaints were collected through interviews, survey, and the REBA to evaluate work posture. The respondents were four tuna-shredded workers, all women with an average age of 44.5 years and an average BMI of 39.0. The discomfort and pain felt by tuna-shredded workers are in the buttocks, back, shoulders, waist, upper arms, elbows, forearms, and hands. At the same time, the evaluation of work postures shows that 23 postures fall into the level 4 category where changes are needed, both in terms of work postures or using work aids to reduce the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders due to work.