Development of an Ergonomically Designed Fish Dryer Equipment to Reduce the Musculoskeletal Disorder of the “Magtutuyo” in Cavite, Philippines

Authors

  • Aira Cacananta , Nica Laiza Comia , Jashell Garcia , Jelyn Rodriguez

Abstract

Fish drying is the world’s oldest known preservation method. However, in practicing the said
method, magtutuyo are exposed to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) on the upper limb extremities
and back problems due to the repetitive bending and twisting of hand as they have to manually
turn the fish individually as well as the awkward posture needed in performing the task.
Observations were made, and it was concluded that the drying process could not be changed and
therefore the awkward posture as well as repetitive motion could not be eliminated nor minimized
unless development of equipment was introduced. The purpose of the researcher is to develop
equipment that can help the magtutuyo to work effectively and efficiently. The main objective of
the study is to reduce the musculoskeletal disorder among the magtutuyo in Cavite, Philippines.
Besides its ergonomic benefits, this would also decrease the process time of drying the fish. Under
the RULA Ergonomic Assessment, the posture score was reduced by 43.43%. For the process
time, the time study conducted on the prototype unit showed that process time during sun drying
was reduced by 86.29% and using the heater, it was reduced by 93.06%. Overall, the number of
activities was increased but time and risk were minimized.

Published

2020-10-15

Issue

Section

Articles