Proposed Improvement Of Operator Work Posture Using The Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) Method At The Polonia Cargo Terminal

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Preventing Work Injury: Proposed Improvement of Operator Posture in Polonia Cargo Terminal by Owas Method

Introduction

In the fast-paced and dynamic environment of cargo terminals, maintaining the safety and health of operators is a significant challenge. The Polonia Cargo Terminal, like other cargo terminals, faces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive movements and heavy loads involved in loading and unloading goods. To address this issue, this study employs the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) method as a tool to identify and evaluate operator work postures.

Background

The Polonia Cargo Terminal, like other cargo terminals, is a high-risk workplace for musculoskeletal injuries. The activity of loading and unloading goods involves repetitive movements and heavy loads, which can trigger musculoskeletal injuries. The OWAS method is a widely used tool for identifying and evaluating work postures that are potentially harmful to operators. This method provides a systematic approach to analyzing work postures and provides specific recommendations for improvement.

Methodology

This research was conducted through field observation and direct interviews with operators. The observed work posture data includes the position of the back, arms, and legs during the operational process, starting from the preparation stage to putting goods into the trolley. The data was then analyzed using the OWAS method to get a grouping of work attitudes and proper improvement recommendations.

Results

The results of the study show that of the total work posture observed, 2 postures are safe (category 1), 4 potentially dangerous postures (category 2), and 1 very dangerous posture (category 4) that require immediate improvement. The OWAS method provides a clear and concise analysis of the work postures and identifies the areas that require improvement.

Proposed Improvement Recommendations

Based on the results of the OWAS analysis, the improvement recommendations are focused on:

Changes in Layout and Design of Aids

This research highlights the importance of redesigning the layout of the work area and tools used, such as trolleys, in order to adjust the operator's work posture. The layout of the work area and the design of the tools used can significantly impact the operator's work posture and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Use of Ergonomic Aids

The application of ergonomic aids in accordance with the operator anthropometry can help ease the workload and reduce the risk of injury. For example, the use of mechanical elevators to lift heavy goods, trolleys with a height that can be adjusted, and comfortable work shoes can all contribute to reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Calculating Operator Anthropometry Data

An important step in designing ergonomic aids is to measure operator anthropometry. Anthropometric data includes the dimensions of the operator's body, such as height, shoulder width, arm length, and so forth. This data is then processed to get a percentile, which will be used as a basis for designing tools that are in accordance with the majority of operators.

Benefits of Application of OWAS Method

The application of the OWAS method has several significant benefits:

Risk Identification

OWAS effectively identifies the risk of musculoskeletal injury caused by non-ergonomic work postures. This method provides a clear and concise analysis of the work postures and identifies the areas that require improvement.

Specific Recommendations

This method provides specific and directed improvement recommendations based on the results of the analysis. The recommendations are tailored to the specific needs of the operators and the work environment.

Improvement of Occupational Safety

By applying the recommendations given, it is expected that the level of occupational safety and health of operators can be increased, reduce the risk of injury, and increase work productivity.

Conclusion

This study shows that the OWAS method can be an effective tool in identifying and evaluating work postures that are potentially harmful to operators. By applying the proposed recommendations, it is expected to improve the operator's working conditions in the Polonia cargo terminal and minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury that can occur later on.

Recommendations for Future Research

This study highlights the importance of using the OWAS method in identifying and evaluating work postures that are potentially harmful to operators. Future research should focus on implementing the proposed recommendations and evaluating the effectiveness of the OWAS method in improving occupational safety and health.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Future research should aim to increase the sample size and scope of the study to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of the OWAS method.

References

Note: The references provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Proposed Improvement of Operator Posture in Polonia Cargo Terminal by OWAS Method

Q: What is the OWAS method and how does it work?

A: The OWAS method is a widely used tool for identifying and evaluating work postures that are potentially harmful to operators. It provides a systematic approach to analyzing work postures and provides specific recommendations for improvement. The method involves observing and recording the operator's work posture, analyzing the data, and providing recommendations for improvement.

Q: What are the benefits of using the OWAS method?

A: The OWAS method has several significant benefits, including risk identification, specific recommendations, and improvement of occupational safety. It effectively identifies the risk of musculoskeletal injury caused by non-ergonomic work postures and provides tailored recommendations for improvement.

Q: What are the proposed improvement recommendations based on the OWAS analysis?

A: The proposed improvement recommendations are focused on changes in layout and design of aids, use of ergonomic aids, and calculating operator anthropometry data. These recommendations aim to improve the operator's working conditions and minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

Q: How can the OWAS method be applied in the Polonia Cargo Terminal?

A: The OWAS method can be applied in the Polonia Cargo Terminal by conducting field observations and direct interviews with operators. The observed work posture data can be analyzed using the OWAS method to get a grouping of work attitudes and proper improvement recommendations.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Future research should aim to increase the sample size and scope of the study to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of the OWAS method.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: The recommendations for future research include implementing the proposed recommendations and evaluating the effectiveness of the OWAS method in improving occupational safety and health. Future research should also aim to increase the sample size and scope of the study to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of the OWAS method.

Q: What are the potential risks of musculoskeletal injury in the Polonia Cargo Terminal?

A: The potential risks of musculoskeletal injury in the Polonia Cargo Terminal include repetitive movements and heavy loads involved in loading and unloading goods. These activities can trigger musculoskeletal injuries and affect the operator's working conditions.

Q: How can the OWAS method be used to improve occupational safety and health in the Polonia Cargo Terminal?

A: The OWAS method can be used to improve occupational safety and health in the Polonia Cargo Terminal by identifying and evaluating work postures that are potentially harmful to operators. The method provides specific recommendations for improvement, which can be implemented to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury and improve the operator's working conditions.

Q: What are the potential benefits of implementing the OWAS method in the Polonia Cargo Terminal?

A: The potential benefits of implementing the OWAS method in the Polonia Cargo Terminal include improved occupational safety and health, reduced risk of musculoskeletal injury, and increased work productivity.

Q: How can the OWAS method be integrated into the existing safety and health management system in the Polonia Cargo Terminal?

A: The OWAS method can be integrated into the existing safety and health management system in the Polonia Cargo Terminal by incorporating the method into the risk assessment and control process. The method can be used to identify and evaluate work postures that are potentially harmful to operators and provide specific recommendations for improvement.

Q: What are the potential challenges of implementing the OWAS method in the Polonia Cargo Terminal?

A: The potential challenges of implementing the OWAS method in the Polonia Cargo Terminal include resistance to change, lack of resources, and limited understanding of the method. These challenges can be addressed by providing training and education on the method, allocating sufficient resources, and involving stakeholders in the implementation process.

Q: How can the OWAS method be used to improve the working conditions of operators in the Polonia Cargo Terminal?

A: The OWAS method can be used to improve the working conditions of operators in the Polonia Cargo Terminal by identifying and evaluating work postures that are potentially harmful to operators. The method provides specific recommendations for improvement, which can be implemented to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury and improve the operator's working conditions.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using the OWAS method in the Polonia Cargo Terminal?

A: The potential benefits of using the OWAS method in the Polonia Cargo Terminal include improved occupational safety and health, reduced risk of musculoskeletal injury, and increased work productivity. The method can also be used to improve the working conditions of operators and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.