Proposed Improvement Of Work Facilities In Stone Milling To Reduce Musculosceletal Disorder At The Factory Of PT. Pratama Anindita Community

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Improving Work Facilities in Stone Milling to Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders at PT. Pratama Anindita Community

Introduction

PT. Pratama Anindita community, a leading manufacturer of dolomite fertilizer in Medan, Indonesia, has been facing a significant challenge in maintaining the health and productivity of its operators. The stone milling process, which involves the destruction of dolomite rocks into a subtle form, has resulted in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among operators. This study aims to propose improvements to work facilities to reduce MSDs and increase productivity at PT. Pratama Anindita community.

Background

The production of dolomite fertilizer at PT. Pratama Anindita community involves the use of heavy machinery and manual labor. Operators are required to stand, bend, and lift heavy materials for extended periods, leading to discomfort and pain in various parts of the body, including the shoulders, arms, hands, thighs, legs, and knees. This repeated activity not only affects the physical health of operators but also reduces their productivity, as they often need to take breaks to relieve pain.

Problem Statement

The lack of ergonomic work facilities and inadequate work methods have contributed to the high incidence of MSDs among operators at PT. Pratama Anindita community. The absence of containers for storing raw materials requires operators to work in a less ergonomic position, leading to fatigue and injury. The current work setup also fails to provide adequate support for operators, resulting in discomfort and pain.

Research Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to design and propose improvements to work facilities at PT. Pratama Anindita community to reduce MSDs among operators. The specific objectives are:

  1. To identify the causes of MSDs among operators at PT. Pratama Anindita community.
  2. To design and propose improvements to work facilities, including the addition of containers for raw materials and ergonomic work chairs.
  3. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed improvements in reducing MSDs and increasing productivity.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative approach, involving observations, interviews, and surveys to gather data on the current work setup and the causes of MSDs among operators. The data were analyzed using the SnQ (Survey of Musculoskeletal Disorders) analysis tool to identify the tasks and body parts involved in MSDs.

Results

The results of the SnQ analysis showed that the complaints experienced by operators were almost uniform, caused by similar tasks between them. The complaints included various parts of the body, such as shoulders, arms, hands, thighs, and calves. The analysis also revealed that the current work setup failed to provide adequate support for operators, leading to fatigue and injury.

Proposed Improvements

Based on the results of the SnQ analysis, the following improvements were proposed:

  1. Addition of containers for raw materials: The design of the containers should be in accordance with the transport trucks and the size of the operators to ensure that the raw materials are easily accessible and can be transported without straining the operators.
  2. Ergonomic work chairs: The ergonomic work chairs should be designed to provide adequate support for the operators, including the back, neck, and legs.
  3. Adjustment of work methods: The work methods should be adjusted to reduce the level of fatigue and the risk of injury. This can be achieved by designing the work tasks to be more ergonomic and reducing the number of movements required.

Implementation Plan

The proposed improvements will be implemented in phases, with the following timeline:

  1. Phase 1: Design and procurement of containers for raw materials and ergonomic work chairs (3 months).
  2. Phase 2: Installation of the containers and ergonomic work chairs (2 months).
  3. Phase 3: Adjustment of work methods and training of operators (3 months).

Expected Outcomes

The implementation of the proposed improvements is expected to reduce MSDs among operators and increase productivity at PT. Pratama Anindita community. The expected outcomes include:

  1. Reduced MSDs: The incidence of MSDs among operators is expected to decrease by at least 50%.
  2. Increased productivity: The productivity of operators is expected to increase by at least 20%.
  3. Improved work environment: The work environment is expected to be improved, with reduced fatigue and injury among operators.

Conclusion

The proposed improvements to work facilities at PT. Pratama Anindita community are expected to reduce MSDs among operators and increase productivity. The implementation of the proposed improvements will require a phased approach, with the design and procurement of containers for raw materials and ergonomic work chairs, followed by the installation and adjustment of work methods. The expected outcomes include reduced MSDs, increased productivity, and an improved work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Improving Work Facilities in Stone Milling to Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders

Q: What are the main causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among operators in stone milling?

A: The main causes of MSDs among operators in stone milling include the lack of ergonomic work facilities, inadequate work methods, and the physical demands of the job, such as standing, bending, and lifting heavy materials for extended periods.

Q: What are the symptoms of MSDs among operators in stone milling?

A: The symptoms of MSDs among operators in stone milling include discomfort and pain in various parts of the body, such as the shoulders, arms, hands, thighs, legs, and knees. Operators may also experience fatigue, numbness, and tingling in their hands and fingers.

Q: How can MSDs among operators in stone milling be prevented?

A: MSDs among operators in stone milling can be prevented by providing ergonomic work facilities, such as containers for raw materials and ergonomic work chairs, and by adjusting work methods to reduce the physical demands of the job. Regular breaks and stretching exercises can also help to reduce the risk of MSDs.

Q: What are the benefits of improving work facilities in stone milling?

A: The benefits of improving work facilities in stone milling include reduced MSDs among operators, increased productivity, and an improved work environment. Improved work facilities can also help to reduce the risk of injury and improve the overall health and well-being of operators.

Q: How can operators in stone milling reduce their risk of developing MSDs?

A: Operators in stone milling can reduce their risk of developing MSDs by taking regular breaks, stretching regularly, and using proper lifting techniques. They should also report any discomfort or pain to their supervisor or HR department.

Q: What is the role of management in preventing MSDs among operators in stone milling?

A: Management plays a critical role in preventing MSDs among operators in stone milling by providing ergonomic work facilities, adjusting work methods, and promoting a culture of safety and health. Management should also provide regular training and education on MSD prevention and provide support for operators who are experiencing discomfort or pain.

Q: How can MSDs among operators in stone milling be diagnosed?

A: MSDs among operators in stone milling can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or physical therapist. A diagnosis may involve a physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans.

Q: What are the treatment options for MSDs among operators in stone milling?

A: The treatment options for MSDs among operators in stone milling may include physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissues or joints.

Q: How can MSDs among operators in stone milling be prevented in the long term?

A: MSDs among operators in stone milling can be prevented in the long term by providing ongoing training and education on MSD prevention, promoting a culture of safety and health, and providing regular breaks and stretching exercises. Management should also regularly review and update work facilities and procedures to ensure they are ergonomic and safe.

Q: What are the costs associated with MSDs among operators in stone milling?

A: The costs associated with MSDs among operators in stone milling may include medical expenses, lost productivity, and workers' compensation claims. In some cases, MSDs may also result in long-term disability or even death.

Q: How can MSDs among operators in stone milling be reported?

A: MSDs among operators in stone milling can be reported to the supervisor or HR department. Operators should also report any discomfort or pain to their supervisor or HR department.