Musculoskeletal Risk Analysis Using the RULA Method in the Manual Meatball Moulding Process
Yanti Sri Rejeki, Eri Achiraeniwati, Nur Rahman As^ad, Feri Setiawan, Muhammad Jahidan Al-Ghifari

Program Studi Teknik Industri Universitas Islam Bandung

Abstract

PNon-ergonomic work postures, such as bending or squatting, contribute to an increased risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). CV. Tasifa Jaya is a food MSME that specializes in producing meatballs. One of the workstations with potential for MSDs is the manual meatball pressing workstation. At this workstation, operators shape meatballs while sitting, bending their backs, and rotating their upper bodies. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the level of musculoskeletal risk at the manual meatball shaping workstation at CV. Tasifa Jaya. Risk evaluation was conducted using a quantitative ergonomic method, namely Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Data were collected through observation of work posture, movement frequency, exertion intensity, and task duration in three main work elements: dough retrieval, meatball molding, and meatball transfer to the boiling pan. The RULA analysis results showed that the dough retrieval work element had a score of 4 (moderate risk, further investigation needed), meatball molding had a score of 5 (high risk, immediate changes needed), and transferring meatballs to the boiling pot reached a score of 7 (very high risk, immediate changes needed). The recommended ergonomic intervention is to design work facilities tailored to the anthropometry of workers, thereby reducing occupational risks and preventing musculoskeletal injuries among them.

Keywords: Ergonomi, MSDs, RULA, Strain Index

Topic: Industry Engineering