Simulation-Based Ergonomic Assessment of the Improved Workstation Design in Smoked Fish Preparation Process

Smoked fish industry, an informal sector, is one in which the workers are self-employed and produce goods in small quantities. The fish preparation process is comprised of several task, these processes demand strenuous effort from the smoked fish workers, who rely only on conventional equipment and makeshift seating and standing workstation in their operations, thus prone to experience MSDs. The study aims to assess the existing condition using RULA, REBA, ART, and CMDQ, and design an improved workstation using Tecnomatix process simulator. The result show that both RULA and REBA generated an average score both at risk with a score of 7 & 10 respectively. Meanwhile, ART resulted in an average score of 14.09 which is equivalent to medium exposure levels. Moreover, the CMDQ showed that the affected body parts were lower leg, neck, hips, and lower back. The Spearman Rank-Order correlational analysis revealed that for standing workers, there is a moderate positive correlation between RULA total scores and CMDQ scores on the lower leg, the neck, shoulders, hip/buttocks and wrists. Meanwhile, when correlated to ART scores there is a moderate positive correlation on the neck of the workers. Moreover, for seated workers, there is a moderate positive correlation between RULA total scores and CMDQ scores on the worker's left shoulder. Furthermore, there is a strongly positive correlation between ART total scores and CMDQ scores on the worker's right and left forearm. Finally, a moderately positive correlation between ART total scores and CMDQ scores on worker's neck, and shoulders. The researchers then designed an improved workstation through Process Simulate 16.0.1 focusing on productivity and considering reachability safe zones, albeit not necessarily to their full extension.