Testing and evaluation of newly developed harvesting basket among male pineapple harvesters in Johor, Malaysia

This study evaluates a newly developed harvesting basket used in manual pineapple harvesting work in Malaysia, specifically focusing on its impact on physiological workload, body part discomfort, perception of harvesters and risk level of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). An experimental study was conducted among pineapple harvesters in Muar, Johor. Data from 25 harvesters were collected using questionnaires, including the Borg CR-10 Scale, to assess body part discomfort using traditional rattan and newly developed harvesting baskets. The physiological workload was measured to record heart rates and calculate the workload. The risk level of awkward posture during harvesting tasks was assessed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tool for both baskets. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze respondents’ perceptions, while statistical tests determined performance differences between the two baskets. The results revealed that workers experienced a significant reduction in physiological workload between the use of rattan (6.6 ± 0.9 kJ-min) and prototype baskets (5.0 ± 1.1 kJ-min). Harvesters experienced reduced discomfort when using new harvesting baskets. The postural analysis indicated a decrease in the risk level of awkward posture from high (rattan) to medium (prototype) when harvesting. Most harvesters perceived that the new harvesting basket fulfilled their needs. In conclusion, the newly developed harvesting basket demonstrated the potential to improve work posture, discomfort and physiological workload of pineapple harvesters, thereby reducing the potential of obtaining MSD disease. Adopting ergonomically designed work tools aligns with the MyGAP policy and supports improving workers’ health in pineapple harvesting operations.

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