Industrial Ergonomics 414

Processing of dried mango in the Southern partners and fair-trade corporation

facility in Cebu.
Group 36, Matsoso, NBM, 20009801 & Tshisayo, A, 17358361

Problem statement
An analysis was conducted to identify aspects of ergonomics which attribute to occupational
injuries and to implement an engineering improvement to better the life of a human
operator at “Southern partners and fair-trade corporation” in Cebu. The following problems
were identified and considered crucial to evaluate repetitive manual handling of medium
load containers to move them between different workstations, manual handling of
containers with hot contents, and, awkward posture when washing peel mangos.

Expected outcome and scientific proof on improvements made

From the problem statement above, the workplace shall be assessed, and the following
ergonomic attributes will be improved:
1. Install a table to adjust work surface to avoid a severe bending and discomfort of an
employee picking mangos from a crate.
2. Install the conveyor belt system to avoid movement of customers between different
workstations.
3. Install efficient ventilation system to maintain conducive temperatures in the facility.
4. Soundproof the container used for drying.
The ISO 8996 heat regulation, NIOSH analysis, sound SANS 10083 regulation, and RULA
analysis were employed to improve ergonomic factors in the workplace as discussed below;

Improved facility layout

Install a conveyor at an inclined angle of 45°C according to standard from Ergonomics
guidelines for MMH. This reduces the movement of employees between different
workstations. Reduces the risk of back injuries obtained by workers who picked mangos
from crates situated at low surfaces. It also enables employees to do iterate job for a long
duration without stretching muscles. Install a water sink to avoid employee’s awkward
bending during washing of peeled mangos.

Heat control
It would be advisable to install a ventilation system in the workplace, as to clear it from high
temperatures that might result from production and to lower the temperature that the
stoves will cause to rise.
Improved tools
Provide employees with cut resistant gloves to avoid hand cut injuries during peeling
process. Also, provide employees with heat resistant gloves and pan handles to avoid
injuries incurred during drainage of boiling water.

Sound control
Reduce sound levels emitted by equipment (conveyor belt, crates, and pans) to below 87
dBA as regulated by OSHA. This protects employees from hearing losses and improves
employee productivity.

Feasibility analysis
It is necessary for Southern partners and fair-trade corporation to perform workstation
assessment, to improve working conditions, to increase worker comfort, to minimise the
possibility of accidents or iterate stretch injuries and improve worker productivity. Worker
morale in the facility may be improved through establishment of fun culture at the
workplace and create an environment that employees love, train workers and focus on
value adding activities. Open communication really helps improve employee morale, in that
way employees are not getting any surprises about changes in the workplace.
From the analysis of ergonomic factors, it is declared that, both for the benefit of the
employees and for administration. Several calculations were performed, consulted guides
and regulatory bodies (ISO 8996, NIOSH, RULA, SANS10083), outlined designs, performed
complete costing guide, and we are certain that our proposed ergonomic improvements will
provide a important advancement to the ergonomic attributes as shown below.