A CASE STUDY OF IMPROVING WORKING POSTURES IN THE PAPER BAG HANDLE ATTACHMENT PROCESS THROUGH ERGONOMIC PRINCIPLE: A PAPER PACKAGING MANUFACTURER AND DISTRIBUTOR

Abstract

The paper bag handle attachment process was a labor-intensive task that relied mainly on workers’ manual skills and required a long production time, leading to worker fatigue and complaints regarding working conditions. This study aimed to reduce work-related fatigue among workers involved in the paper bag handle attachment process by applying ergonomic principles. The study was conducted in a paper packaging manufacturing and distribution company, with seven workers participating in the assessment of discomfort levels in different body parts. Based on the assessment results, a worktable was designed and an appropriate working chair was selected according to ergonomic principles, using anthropometric data from twelve body dimensions of the workers as design criteria. After the ergonomic improvements, perceived discomfort was reduced by 84.62% in the knees, 47.06% in the hips or thighs, 44.74% in the upper back, 44.44% in the hands or wrists, 44.00% in the lower back, and 39.40% in the neck. Additionally, work risk levels were evaluated using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) technique. The RULA score decreased from 6.85 to 6.14, a reduction of 10.36%; however, the risk level remained relatively high, indicating the need for further ergonomic improvements.