Operator perception on oil palm transportation in sloping lands using pivot trailer and reversible wheels with the Nordic Body Map (NBM) method
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Transporting fresh fruit bunches (FFB) of oil palm on steep slopes requires safe and ergonomic solutions. This study assessed musculoskeletal workload among operators using a two-wheel tractor with a pivot trailer and reversible wheels on varying slopes, focusing on comfort, stability, and injury risk. A field study in Aceh Besar involved three trained operators (3-15 years of experience) transporting ±120 kg per trip on gentle (25°–30°), moderate (30°–35°), and extreme (35°–40°) slopes. After each session, operators reported musculoskeletal complaints using the Nordic Body Map (NBM) across 27 body segments. Results showed shifting complaint patterns with slope. At gentle slope, discomfort was concentrated in the upper body (arms, shoulders, waist). At moderate slope, lower limb complaints became dominant, and at extreme slope, they increased sharply along with back pain. The left thigh, left hand, and right ankle were most affected at extreme slope, indicating asymmetric loading from stabilization and maneuvering. Overall, complaints rose with slope steepness, suggesting that while the pivot trailer and reversible wheels improve maneuverability, they do not fully reduce musculoskeletal risks on extreme slopes.
Institution: Universitas Syiah Kuala
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7161111992