The Improvement of Work Facility in the Separation Station in Eta Purba Small and Medium Enterprises (SMes EP)

Abstract

Eta Purba Small and Medium Enterprises (UKM EP) is a business that produces tofu. UKM EP is a semi-traditional business, where human labor is still needed in the production process. Workers play a role in doing manual material handling from one machine to another. The transfer process includes a milling machine to a separation machine, adding water and pouring it into a boiling machine as well as a pouring or printing process. Repetitive work with non-ergonomic working conditions can cause injury or pain to certain body parts. To find out the existence of complaints and work methods that are not ergonomic, the Standard Nordic Questionnaire is distributed and performs biomechanics calculations using the Maximum Permissible Limit and Recommended Weight Limit and Lifting Index methods. From the results of the questionnaire, it was found that workers experienced pain in the shoulders, waist, back, and hands. The results of the calculation of biomechanics in MPL are 5499.27; 6443.51 ; 6948.63 ; 7196.23. This value is close to and exceeds the NIOSH standard value, which is > 6500 N, while the LI value is 3.77; 1.83 ; 1.79 ; 2.60. This value is above and between the NIOSH standard values, namely 3. These results are the basis for improving the work system by designing new work equipment which is expected to eliminate risks or complaints due to the work.