Field measurement of hand forces of palm oil harvesters and evaluating the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) through biomechanical analysis

Hand force data is critical in evaluating work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Nevertheless, earlier studies on oil palm workers relied on estimated or laboratory measurements, which may not accurately reflect the actual hand forces. This study is the first report on the field measurement of hand forces for palm oil harvesters using a chisel and sickle to harvest low and tall palm trees, respectively. The dynamic hand forces and ground reaction forces were measured using instrumented harvesting tools and force plates, while wearable motion (IMU) and electromyography (EMG) sensors were incorporated for quantifying postural angles and muscle activations, respectively. Additionally, the spinal loadings, continuous Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scores, and subjective pain scores were determined to evaluate the risk of WMSDs. A total of 10 harvesters were recruited to perform the palm pruning tasks using a chisel and sickle. Resultantly, the sickle and chisel recorded a maximum cutting force of 1601.23 ± 424.26 N and 420.80 ± 96.00 N, respectively. All pruning tasks were found to be highly risky to harvesters, with a peak REBA score of 12. Likewise, all investigated muscles were activated for over 40% MVC, thus inducing moderate pain in the muscles. The peak L5-S1 compression forces for all tasks exceeded the safety threshold (>3400 N), but the values were not significantly different. The shear force of the L5-S1 was extreme in pruning with a sickle (1446.10 ± 411.00 N) compared to using a chisel. In conclusion, palm harvesters were at a high risk of developing WMSDs following poor postures, high physical exertion and muscle activity, and excessive spinal loads. •The average force required for cutting the palm fronds differed significantly between cutting tools.•The peak REBA score was at very high risk for all tasks.•The peak compression force at the L5-S1 of the harvesters surpassed the safety limit in all tasks.•Almost all investigated muscles were highly activated, with more than 50% MVC in all tasks.•Harvesters reported moderate pain, and their muscle activation strongly correlates with the reported body pain.