Analysis of potential ergonomic hazards in metal craft welding workers

Abstract

Introduction: Welding work is usually done according to the condition of the object being welded. The working posture of the welding process is usually sitting, standing, or half-bending for a long time. This posture includes awkward postures that cause a lot of problems for the worker's body. It is necessary to conduct an analysis to be able to provide recommendations for improvement of the work position.

Methods: This study was conducted using an observational method based on a survey sheet from the measurement of potential ergonomic hazards (SNI 9011 of 2021) and the RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) method in 12 metal craft industry sites  in the province of Bali, Indonesia. Data were taken based on measurement procedures and analyzed in a quantitative, descriptive manner based on the interpretation of potential ergonomic hazards.

Results: There were 83.3% of respondents who felt pain often, and 16.7% of respondents felt that they always had pain in the right and left hips. The level of ergonomic hazards reached a score of 8–16, meaning a high risk level, and the ergonomic risk factor reached a score greater than 7, which meant dangerous.

Conclusion: The working posture is not ergonomic for welders, causing disorders of fatigue quickly, glowing eyes, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the waist, back, calves, and legs. It is recommended that there is a need for immediate ergonomic intervention in the welding section of the metal craft industry to reduce musculoskeletal disorders, and improve work posture.