ERGONOMIC IMPROVEMENTS IN THE HANDLING OF FIBRE INSULATOR SHEETS CUTTING

This paper gives emphasis to an ergonomics study conducted in a fibre insulation bay of a medium-sized air handler manufacturing plant. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other health problems in the fibre insulator sheets cutting operations were closely looked into. Unstructured interviews were initially conducted to uncover the underlying problems, while Direct Observation (DO) and Participative Assessment (PA) methods were utilized to identify ergonomics risk factors. Ergonomics interventions by means of real life experiments were implemented. These included 1) providing semi leather gloves to replace cotton hand gloves, 2) providing plastic chairs with back rest for occasional sitting, and 3) installing a fiberglass rolling mechanism for fiberglass cutting on table top. Post survey incorporating both DO and PA methods was subsequently conducted to gauge its effectiveness in minimizing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other health problems. This action-oriented study finally produced fruitful results which includedinsignificant low back pain and legs ache, minimized hand irritation sensations, relieved tiredness of operators, reduced nose irritation, eye itchiness, sore throat and dizziness.