Workload Analysis during Operation Coconut Coir Peeler Operation

Abstract

Almost all Acehnese still rely on the sundak (pointed blade) or machete to peel the coconut skin. The use of sundak has a high work risk even though the workload is relatively light. The sharp tip of the sundak can injure the operator when peeling the coconut skin. Therefore, the coconut skin peeler is designed with different types, namely the crank type, tipping type, and scissors type. The operator’s workload analysis is carried out to be useful for developing the design of the coconut peeler so that it is hoped that the tool and method of peeling coconut skin is safer, greater cushty and greater effective. A workload analysis was performed by calculating the heart rate of three operators operating a coconut peeler. The workloads analyzed are qualitative and quantitative workloads. The results of the workload analysis show that the use of sundak is still classified as light work with an average IRHR of 1.15 and the required energy consumption of 2.62 kcal/kg.hour. Meanwhile, scissors type tools are also classified as light work with an average IRHR value of 1.25 with an energy consumption rate of 2.93 kcal/kg.hour. The use of crank type tools is still classified as light work with an average IRHR of 1.23 and an energy consumption rate of 2.84 kcal/kg.hour. The use of a tipping tool is middle class workload where the average IRHR is 1.28 and the power consumption rate is 3.09 kcal/kg.hour. For the use of a machete, it is classified as a job with a moderate workload where the average IRHR value is 1.29 with the required energy consumption rate of 3.25 kcal/kg.hour. The high workload of the operator is influenced by the habit of the operator in operating a tool.