RISK ASSESSMENT FOR STANDING WORKBENCH POSTURE IN WELDING PROCESS: A CASE STUDY OF UiTM TERENGGANU

Abstract

Welding requires ‘hands-on’, work intensively, practice for months and years to get at the craft. Not only from skill standpoint, but welding takes its toll on the human body. The aim of this assessment is to assess the working positions of students learning workshop activity for welding at workbench, that labeled as awkward and high risk which contributing to body pain. Therefore, ergonomic assessment (REBA) for welding posture can become a key in preventing body pain while weld. There is five steps for conducting Ergonomic Assessment; review from previous researcher regarding standing position to weld; Selected tools, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) determine the score based on posture evaluated, force requirement, type of movement and coupling observed within task; Gather subjective data (workshop environment, involving the student):Gather objective data (develop prioritize weld activities) and risk factors; and lastly Analyses all data and identify risk reduction opportunities as well as identify potential injury and severity. The observation and posture analysis strongly reveal back pain and fatigue due to awkward posture (standing for quite a time). Overuse of muscle closed related to welding activities which frequent and repetitive. Work related musculoskeletal disorders depending on workplace elements, technique of welding and environment factors.