Productivity Improvement in Coconut Peeling for Dried Coconut Wholesaler
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Abstract
This study aimed to improving productivity and reducing ergonomic problems in coconut peeling, focusing on a case study of local entrepreneurs in Pracham Subdistrict, Chana District, Songkhla Province. The research procedures consisted of: 1) investigating initial health problems and measuring the Abnormality Index (AI), (2) assessing ergonomic risks before improvement, (3) proposing and implementing improved working methods, and (4) re-evaluating ergonomics and productivity before and after improvement. The ergonomic assessment using RULA and REBA before improvement revealed high risks, with scores of 7 and 10, respectively, indicating the need for immediate corrective action. The average time for peeling 5 coconuts was 65.36 seconds. After introducing the new peeling method, which was rated at an average score of 4.10 (good) by the participants, ergonomic risks were significantly reduced: the RULA score decreased to 3 and the REBA score to 3. The average time for peeling 5 coconuts decreased to 16.76 seconds, reducing the average peeling time by 48.6 seconds. Consequently, for one worker peeling 400 coconuts per day, the time required was reduced by 64.8 minutes, while productivity in 90 minutes increased from 410 coconuts with the old method to 1,610 coconuts with the new method. The findings indicate that the improved method reduced ergonomic risks, minimized unnecessary movements, shortened work time, and enhanced overall productivity while also decreasing worker fatigue that could affect health.
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