ORCA General Oral Presentation Session (Virtual)
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Occupational Safety and Health
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
2nd Student Major
Occupational Safety and Health
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Yousif Abulhassan, Ph.D., CSP, CPE
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Dairy production facilities rely on batching operators to unload palletized ingredients and mix them to meet ingredient specifications. Batching operators in the dairy industry are frequently required to work for prolonged periods of time in awkward postures while performing repetitive and forceful exertions. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) typically impact workers’ performance and increase job discomfort. Such incidents are generally costly to employers as they often result in workers compensation claims and increased insurance premiums. The purpose of this study was to characterize the ergonomic risk factors associated with commonly performed batching processes and evaluate possible solutions to reduce exposure to ergonomic risk factors. Daily work activities of five batching operators at Saputo Dairy Foods USA of Murray, KY were evaluated remotely via video recordings. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Lifting Fatigue Failure Tool (LiFFT), and the 3DSSPP Biomechanical Modeling were used to assess the ergonomic risk factors associated with batching activities. Results of the study suggest that current work practices in batching operations could significantly increase the risk of developing WMSDs. Ergonomic risk factors and effective solutions to reduce WMSDs in batching activities will be presented.
Spring Scholars Week 2020 Event
Other (Please write-in)
Other Scholars Week Event
OSH 663
Included in
An Ergonomic Analysis of Ingredient Batching in a Dairy Bottling Facility
Dairy production facilities rely on batching operators to unload palletized ingredients and mix them to meet ingredient specifications. Batching operators in the dairy industry are frequently required to work for prolonged periods of time in awkward postures while performing repetitive and forceful exertions. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) typically impact workers’ performance and increase job discomfort. Such incidents are generally costly to employers as they often result in workers compensation claims and increased insurance premiums. The purpose of this study was to characterize the ergonomic risk factors associated with commonly performed batching processes and evaluate possible solutions to reduce exposure to ergonomic risk factors. Daily work activities of five batching operators at Saputo Dairy Foods USA of Murray, KY were evaluated remotely via video recordings. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Lifting Fatigue Failure Tool (LiFFT), and the 3DSSPP Biomechanical Modeling were used to assess the ergonomic risk factors associated with batching activities. Results of the study suggest that current work practices in batching operations could significantly increase the risk of developing WMSDs. Ergonomic risk factors and effective solutions to reduce WMSDs in batching activities will be presented.