Design and Development of Dried Rabbitfish (Siganidae) Production Workstation for Calatagan, Batangas, Philippines

Abstract

The study aims to design and develop a workstation for dried rabbitfish production in order to avoid work-related musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors. Using different ergonomic assessment tools such as RULA, REBA and with direct observation and interview, it was found out that the traditional process of rabbitfish drying does not follow the requirements provided by the Ergonomic Standards. The workers were also not exposed in good working conditions. The study proposed three alternative designs considering the materials, components, and cost in guaranteeing the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and assurance to lessen the risk factors. The three alternative designs were evaluated using trade-off analysis to identify the best design for fabrication. The fabricated design which is the L-shaped undergoes several trials to evaluate the effect of the proposed equipment in the job risk factors and measure the productivity of the workers. Time and motion studies as well as observations were done in determining the effectiveness of the proposed workstation. Productivity, ergonomic factors, and cost benefits were used in this study.