Hand tool project requirements: the case of banana cultivation and its physical demands (OWAS) 1
Letícia Takayama, Giselle Schmidt Alves Diaz Merino, Eugenio Andrés Díaz Merino, Lucas José Garcia, Julia Marina Cunha, Susana Cristina Domenech
http://dx.doi.org/10.4322/pmd.2015.012
Product, vol.13, n2, p.119-130, 2015
Abstract
The cultivation of bananas presents several activities aiming the product processing. Some of these activities are a physical burden to workers, especially to their upper limbs. Therefore, this project analyzed the banana tumbling with the purpose of identifying the critical aspects and, consequently, defining the requirements for re-designing the tools used. Data was obtained by site visit, interviews, and photographs complemented with the use of OWAS posture record. The results allowed the identification of critical issues and the definition of requirements such as change to the tool angle and its handle permitted the adoption of a less sacrificing posture which impacted more positively the workers production performance.
Keywords
design, design requirements, hand tool, banana, OWAS.