A study of low cost ergonomic improvements in small and medium enterprise (SME)

Abstract

The research is about to see the ergonomic concept application in all working field that was manually performed by the employee at Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) as in the Sayyidah Roti Arab factory. A Nordic questionnaire was conducted at the beginning of this research in recognizing parts of the body which often to perceive the illness. All tasks were analyzed through the RULA and REBA method to let know the risk for each task. A simple tray was designed to help them performing baking process more efficiently. A tray costs at RM180 was fabricated by using a stainless steel and cast iron which able to withstand below 250°C of temperature. Ability for the tray to accommodate all 32 containers onto it, make the process a bit faster. Tray at first was analyzed through the RWL and LI method to identifying weight limit that can be lifted by the employee. As a result, the lifting index was presented below the dangerous level, the risk of work was slightly decreased and definitely the employee become more comfortable to perform this task as it can avert them away from any treachery of wound and blister on hands. The use of tray was successfully help fitting works to worker rather than forcing them fitting to the works.