Development of an ergonomically-designed alignment tool for small-scale fisheries in Cavite / by Evander M. Costacio and Jeffrey T. Rupido.

Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering) Cavite State University

College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT)

COSTACIO, EVANDER M., RUPIDO, JEFFREY T. Development of Ergonomically- Designed Alignment Tool for Small-Scale Fisheries in Cavite. Undergraduate Thesis, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Cavite State University, Indang Cavite. June 2022. Adviser: Engr. Willie C. Buclatin.

This study was conducted to develop an ergonomically designed alignment tool for small-scale fisheries in Cavite. Specifically, this study aimed to: (1) find out what existing/current tools and the process of making nylon fishing nets for alignment; (2) determine the workplace ergonomic problems encountered by the fishermen; (3) analyze the root cause and ergonomic effect of the problem; (4) develop an ergonomic tool prototype for the alignment of fishing net that will be intended for the use of fishermen; (5) evaluate the developed ergonomic tool prototype; and (6) generate recommendations to further improve the ergonomic tool for the alignment of fishing net. To identify the problem, the researchers used a fishbone diagram and an affinity diagram to determine the following problems such as non-ergonomically tools, limited working space, sitting for a long time in one position, design, and use of tools. To determine whether the existing tools need an improvement based on the posture of the fishermen, the use of Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was utilized. The results of the observation conducted on the fishermen while using the current tools for making nylon fishing nets were that the current tools in the alignment method need a further investigation and must be changed as soon as possible. It was shown in this study the development of an ergonomically designed alignment tool for making fishing nets. The development of the tool was conducted with the consideration of ergonomics. Define-Measure-Analyze-Design-Verify (DMADV) was the method that has been used to guide the whole development process of the study. During the define phase, the researchers identified the existing tool, the procedure of the alignment process, and potential workplace concerns of fishermen to have enough information on what requirements should be emphasized in the development of the tool. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) worksheet was utilized to determine if the postures of the users while using the current tools were acceptable. The results were discussed in the measure phase along with the anthropometric measurement of different body parts of the participant. In the analyze phase, the Ishikawa diagram was developed to determine the causes of the problem. A tree diagram was used to show the hierarchical links between each process. It is intended to illustrate that to verify the ergonomically designed tool, it will be subjected to several evaluations in terms of its performance, safety, and risk associated with its use. On the other hand, the 5th and 9th percentile of the collected anthropometric data were computed and used as the basis of the alignment tool's dimension. Results were shown in the Design Phase along with the tool's design. Lastly, in verify phase, the proposed tool was evaluated to see whether the design of the alignment tool fulfilled the needs of fishermen. It shows that the quality of the developed alignment tool had positive feedback from the participants. It also shows in this phase that the developed alignment tool was appropriate for its intended users gaining 3 points on the RULA worksheet analysis. It was concluded that the ergonomically designed alignment tool for fishermen was recommendable to be used in the alignment method in making nylon fishing nets in different seaside areas in the province of Cavite. The overall evaluation of the alignment tool, as well as the metal quality of the alignment tool, received positive feedback from the participants.

Submitted copy to the University Library. 08/04/2022 T-9150