WMSD complaints among palm oil plantation workers: Impact of machine and technology usage

Machines and technologies are the key for the paradigm shift in achieving sustainable agriculture development.The ergonomics design of the machines and technologies is very important to resolve WMSD problems faced by workers.The study aims to investigate on the pain problems experienced by palm oil workers on their body parts, due to the impact of the usage of machines and technologies as they perform their daily tasks in the palm oil plantation.A survey was conducted using Modified Nordic Questionnaire to investigate and analyse musculoskeletal symptoms among palm oil plantation workers.There were 12 palm oil plantation workers who participated in the survey. The survey results show that all workers who used machines and technologies while working have been experiencing body parts pain disorders, especially at the neck. Body parts pain experienced by these workers has led to an increasing number of palm oil plantation workers who are resisting from using machines and technologies. Practitioner Summary: Machines and technologies would be very helpful tools, if the designers have considered various ergonomic factors at the design stage. This is important because a good and realistic relationship needs to be established between human user and machine. Human workers shall then be able to accept and continue to use the machines and technologies, if it is comfortable and safe to use.