Identification of Worker�s Workload in Tomato Production Greenhouse using Physiological Parameters and Environmental Conditions

• Main Authors: , RIZKY LUTHFIAN RAMADHAN SILALAHI, , Dr. Mirwan Ushada, STP., M.App.Life.Sc
• Format: Theses and Dissertations NonPeerReviewed
• Published: [Yogyakarta] : Universitas Gadjah Mada 2013
• Subjects: ETD
• Online Access: https://repository.ugm.ac.id/118683/; http://etd.ugm.ac.id/index.php?mod=penelitian_detail&sub=PenelitianDetail&act=view&typ=html&buku_id=58657
• Institution: Universitas Gadjah Mada

Many workers work in tomato production greenhouse in Japan, and they are exposed to environmental conditions in the greenhouse during their work. In this study, we measured worker�s heart rate (HR [beats.min-1]), oxygen saturation (SpO2 [%]), body temperature (BT [ºC]), facial temperature (FT [ºC]), head area temperature (HT [ºC]), and also solar radiation (SR [MJ.m-2]), air temperature (AT[ºC]), humidity (HM [%]) to clarify the relationship between worker�s physiological parameters and environmental conditions. Worker�s workload was also examined and determined the level. Three workers who in semi-commercial tomato production greenhouse in the Research Center for High-technology Greenhouse, Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University were employed for this study. Jobs were classified into upper and lower canopy job. Finger pulseoximeter, ear thermometer, and thermal camera were used to measure worker�s physiological parameters. Measurement of worker�s physiological parameters was done when the workers are in the middle of doing jobs. Workload of the jobs was assessed with Heart Rate Reserve (HRR [%]) value, and the workload level was determined by examined the worker�s physiological parameters value measured. Significant correlation was found in relationship between environmental conditions and worker�s physiological parameters. HRR showed workload could change on changing environmental conditions. Workload level of tomato production greenhouse is considered low level based on worker�s physiological parameters measured. Thermal imaging of the workers proved that FT can be increased higher than 34.5 °C under strong SR. Worker�s HT exposed to direct strong SR exceeded 41°C. Greenhouse managers should make some arrangements to evaluate the worker�s workload more appropriately and to protect workers who work in hot and humid summer conditions in Japan.