Risk assessment using ERIN and CVL methods to minimize musculoskeletal disorders for operators in the food industry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31315/opsi.v18i2.12370Keywords:
Musculoskeletal disorders , Nordic body map , Cardiovascular load , ERIN, RedesignAbstract
Workers in small-scale industries often experience physical fatigue and musculoskeletal complaints during manual production activities. This research focuses on operators in a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) producing cowhide crackers, where symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are commonly reported. The purpose of this study is to identify the level of worker discomfort, assess the likelihood of MSD occurrence, and determine appropriate recommendations to reduce ergonomic risk. The Nordic Body Map (NBM) was used to identify complaint areas, Cardiovascular Load (CVL) was employed to assess physical workload intensity, and the ERIN method was applied to evaluate postural risk. The NBM results showed high discomfort levels at the boiling and frying workstations, with scores of 81 and 76.3, respectively. CVL findings also indicated elevated workload at the same stations, with values of 45% and 38%, suggesting fatigue and the need for improvement. Meanwhile, the ERIN assessment showed medium postural risk in one frying activity, low risk in two sub-activities, and high risk in two boiling sub-activities. As a result, a redesign of tools and workstation layout was proposed and simulated using CATIA. The simulation results demonstrate a reduction in MSD risk, where the ERIN score decreased from 34 (high) to 14 (low), confirming the effectiveness of the redesigned workstation.
References
[1] M. Rasoulivalajoozi, M. Rasouli, C. Cucuzzella, and T. H. Kwok, “Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and postural analysis of beekeepers,” Int. J. Ind. Ergon., vol. 98, p. 103504, 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2023.103504.
[2] O. Contreras-Rodriguez et al., “Consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with depression, mesocorticolimbic volume, and inflammation,” J. Affect. Disord., vol. 335, pp. 340–348, Aug. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.009.
[3] J. Lu, Y. Chen, and Y. Lv, “The effect of housework, psychosocial stress and residential environment on musculoskeletal disorders for Chinese women,” SSM - Popul. Heal., vol. 24, p. 101545, 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101545.
[4] V. Sekaaram and L. S. Ani, “Prevalensi musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pada pengemudi angkutan umum di terminal mengwi, kabupaten Badung-Bali,” Intisari Sains Medis, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 118–124, 2017, doi: 10.15562/ism.v8i2.125.
[5] M. N. Selamat, S. F. A. Aziz, M. Mukapit, R. Baker, and A. H. Jaaffar, “The Analysis of Ergonomic Task Demand and Psychosocial Work Factors Towards Occupational Safety and Health,” Int. J. Acad. Res. Account. Financ. Manag. Sci., vol. 11, no. 3, 2021, doi: 10.6007/ijarafms/v11-i3/10870.
[6] I. Pratiwi and K. Salsabil, “Ergonomic Risk Evaluation of Manual Material Handling in Brick Production,” J. Ilm. Tek. Ind., vol. 21, no. 1, 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.23917/jiti.v21i1.17010.
[7] H. Chandra, “Manual material handling analysis using biomechanics at repair department workers,” J. Terap. Tek. Ind., vol. 4, no. 1, 2023, doi: DOI: 10.37373/jenius.v4i1.498.
[8] Y. Harari, A. Bechar, and R. Riemer, “Workers’ biomechanical loads and kinematics during multiple-task manual material handling,” Appl. Ergon., vol. 83, p. 102985, 2020, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102985.
[9] O. Adiyanto, E. Mohamad, R. Jaafar, F. Ma’ruf, M. Faishal, and A. Anggraeni, “Application of Nordic Body Map and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment for Assessing Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A case study in Small and Medium Enterprises,” Int. J. Integr. Eng., vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 10–19, 2022, [Online]. Available: https://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/ijie/article/view/5631/4898
[10] M. Djunaidi, Q. A. Ramadhani, M. Anis, and H. Munawir, “Analysis of Employee Work Posture and Physical Workload Using del Riesgo Individual Evalution and Cardio-Vascular Load Methods,” SHS Web Conf., vol. 189, p. 01032, 2024, doi: 10.1051/shsconf/202418901032.
[11] Y. Rodríguez, S. Viña, and R. Montero, “ERIN: A practical tool for assessing work-related musculoskeletal disorders,” Occup. Ergon., vol. 11, no. 2–3, pp. 59–73, 2013, doi: 10.3233/OER-130210.
[12] C. C. Schultz, A. L. P. de Campos, K. A. C. Gabi, K. R. U. Kleibert, C. de F. Colet, and E. M. F. Stumm, “Musculoskeletal Pain and Resilience in a Nephrology Unit Nursing Professional,” Brazilian J. Pain, vol. 4, no. 4, 2021, doi: 10.5935/2595-0118.20210056.
[13] F. Ghasemi, R. Rahmani, F. Behmaneshpour, and B. Fazli, “Quality of Work Life Among Surgeons and Its Association With Musculoskeletal Complaints,” Cogent Psychol., 2021, doi: 10.1080/23311908.2021.1880256.
[14] Y. S. Munim, S. Rais, L. A. Latif, and S. Al Fajrin, “An Analysis of Physiological Workload on Pure Coconut Oil Production Process,” Tech. Rom. J. Appl. Sci. Technol., 2023, doi: 10.47577/technium.v17i.10076.
[15] J. P. Heinzmann-Filho et al., “Maximum Heart Rate Measured Versus Estimated By Different Equations During The Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test In Obese Adolescents,” Rev Paul Pediatr, vol. 36, no. 3, 2018, [Online]. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30365812/
[16] D. E. Kurniawan, S. Akmal, and M. Sayuti, “Workload Measurement Using the Cardiovascular Load Method and Defense Research Agency Workload Scale,” Int. J. Eng. Sci. Inf. Technol., vol. 1, no. 1, 2024, doi: 10.52088/ijesty.v4i4.608.
[17] H. Abrari, H. M. Denny, and D. Lestantyo, “Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA): Evaluating and Optimizing Tofu Makers’ Work Posture,” Work Heal., vol. 1, no. 1, 2025, doi: 10.53941/wah.2025.100005.
[18] J. Patel and T. Ghosh, “Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Female Workers in the Fish Processing Industry in Odisha, India,” Int. J. Occup. Saf. Heal., vol. 15, no. 23, 2025, doi: 10.3126/ijosh.v15i3.79256.
[19] N.-P. B. Nygaard, G. Thomsen, J. Rasmussen, L. Skadhauge, and B. Gram, “Workability in the Ageing Workforce—A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study,” Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, vol. 18, no. 23, 2021, doi: 10.3390/ijerph182312656.
[20] N. A. S. M. Nizam and S. N. S. Ramlee, “Ergonomic Risk Factors and Job Performance of Electronic Employee in Malaysia,” Malaysian J. Med. Heal. Sci., 2024, doi: 10.47836/mjmhs.20.1.15.
[21] S. Akshya, S. S. Subramanian, S. Vishnuram, and B. S. Dhandapani, “Evaluating the Health Impacts of Repetitive Motion Tasks in Dairy Milkers,” Work a J. Prev. Assess. &Amp Rehabil., 2025, doi: 10.1177/10519815251328969.
[22] M. S. Lestari, A. Komariah, S. Suprapto, and M. P. Sari, “Analysis of workload and fatigue Batik Cap w orkers in Sukoharjo,” Opsi, vol. 17, no. 2, 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.31315/opsi.v17i2.10947.
[23] C. Tholl, L. B. Hansen, and I. Froböse, “Wrist Extensor Fatigue and Game-Genre-Specific Kinematic Changes in Esports Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental Study,” BMC Sport. Sci. Med. Rehabil., 2025, doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01305-0.
[24] O. Massah, A. M. Arab, A. Farhoudian, M. Noroozi, and F. Hashemirad, “The Correlation Between Strength and Range of Motion of the Neck Muscles and Opium Smoking in Iran,” Front. Psychiatry, 2023, doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1200091.
[25] P. Sunarjo et al., “Musculoskeletal Pain Description in Adolescence With Internet Addiction: Community Engagement in Senior High School,” Surabaya Phys. Med. Rehabil. J., 2024, doi: 10.20473/spmrj.v6i1.49595.
[26] R. Majeed, M. Tariq, T. Irfan, A. Noreen, W. Malik, and N. Fatima, “Prevalence of Upper Limb Dysfunction in Fashion Designer Students Using Fades Chairs,” Pakistan J. Public Heal., 2024, doi: 10.32413/pjph.v14i1.1332.
[27] A. Soto-Martínez et al., “Perception of Musculoskeletal Discomfort in University Professors in a Pandemic Context: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study,” Work a J. Prev. Assess. &Amp Rehabil., 2024, doi: 10.1177/10519815241289718.
[28] I. W. G. Suarjana and M. F. Pomalingo, “Evaluation of Work Posture Using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) Methods: A Case Study,” Int. J. Occup. Environ. Saf., 2023, doi: 10.24840/2184-0954_007-001_001848.
[29] S. Arefian, M. I. Laybidi, M. Vahedi, M. Melloh, and H. R. Mokhtarinia, “Impact of Mental and Physical Workload on Work Function in Office Workers With Musculoskeletal Disorders,” BMC Musculoskelet. Disord., 2025, doi: 10.1186/s12891-025-09147-0.
[30] B. D. Rahmawati, I. B. P. Pradana, and B. R. Rachman, “A Quality Function Deployment model: Application design for sauce bottle washer,” OPSI, vol. 18, no. 1, 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.31315/opsi.v18i1.14659.
[31] W. N. W. Harun, S. A. Ghani, and M. S. M. Noh, “Evaluation of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) Among Manual Assembly Workers in the Medical Device Manufacturing Industry,” J. Phys. Conf. Ser., 2025, doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/2933/1/012023.
[32] S. Chaiklieng and P. Suggaravetsiri, “Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment of Occupational Back Pain and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Electronics Assembly Workers,” Safety, 2025, doi: 10.3390/safety11040104.
[33] F. Z. Norman, S. M. Yasin, M. Mohamad, and M. Azzani, “Augmented Reality Physical Ergonomics (ARPE) Training for Manual Material Handling Workers: A Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Study,” Cureus, vol. 17, no. 9, 2025, doi: 10.7759/cureus.92302.
[34] M. J. J. Gumasing et al., “The Effects of Biomechanical Risk Factors on Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Baggers in the Supermarket Industry,” Work a J. Prev. Assess. &Amp Rehabil., vol. 75, no. 1, 2023, doi: 10.3233/wor-220073.
[35] D. S. Shin and B. Y. Jeong, “Older Female Farmers and Modeling of Occupational Hazards, Wellbeing, and Sleep-Related Problems on Musculoskeletal Pains,” Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2022, doi: 10.3390/ijerph19127274.
[36] A. Sugama et al., “Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Workload of Manual Operating Tasks Using a Hydraulic Jack Based on Ergonomic Postural Analysis and Electromyography: A Case Study of Non-Professional Young Male Users,” Work a J. Prev. Assess. &Amp Rehabil., 2022, doi: 10.3233/wor-210079.
[37] A. Amalia, R. Tjahyono, and R. Syamwil, “Work Posture Evaluation: Design in Batik Coloring Process using Nordic Body Map and Rapid Entire Body Assessment,” OPSI, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 136–145, 2021, doi: doi.org/10.31315/opsi.v14i2.5302.
[38] U. Khasanah, A. P. Sutarto, and N. Izzah, “Work Facilities Improvement Using Systematic Layout Planning to Reduce the Risk of Manual Handling,” J. Nov. Eng. Sci. Technol., 2022, doi: 10.56741/jnest.v1i01.56.
[39] Y. S. Zhao, M. H. Jaafar, A. S. A. Mohamed, N. Z. Azraai, and N. Amil, “Ergonomics Risk Assessment for Manual Material Handling of Warehouse Activities Involving High Shelf and Low Shelf Binning Processes: Application of Marker-Based Motion Capture,” Sustainability, 2022, doi: 10.3390/su14105767.
[40] I. Pratiwi and I. W. Jannah, “Redesign of workstations to minimize musculoskeletal disorders for guitar workers in Indonesia,” OPSI, vol. 17, no. 1, 2024, doi: doi.org/10.31315/opsi.v17i1.10837.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Authors who publish articles in this journal agree to the following conditions:
- Copyright remains with the author and gives the Opsi journal the right as a priority to publish its articles with Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Which allows articles to be shared with acknowledgement of the author of the article and this journal as the place of publication.
- Authors can distribute their articles on a non-exclusive basis (e.g. in university repositories or books) with notification or acknowledgement of publication in Opsi journals.
- Authors are allowed to post their work online (e.g. on a personal website or in a university repository) before and after the submission process (see The Effect of Open Access)
This work is Licensed Under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
