ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENTS IN ALUMINUM RECYCLING: A STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Abstract

The recycling and re-manufacturing of aluminum utensils in local facilities provide notable economic and environmental advantages. However, ergonomic considerations are critical for workers health, productivity, and overall operational efficiency are frequently overlooked. This study presents a detailed ergonomic assessment of a small-scale aluminum recycling and utensil manufacturing facility in Nigeria, focusing on physical demands imposed by workstation layouts, levels of worker fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort, and the awareness of entrepreneurs regarding ergonomic investments. The study employed validated tools such as the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), structured questionnaires, direct observations, and productivity self-report scales, the study identified major ergonomic risk factors and proposed strategic interventions. A total of 40 participants—38 production workers and 2 facility managers were surveyed. The demographic profile was predominantly male (90%) with a mean age of 36.4 years. The results revealed critical ergonomic hazards. REBA analysis indicated that 7.25 of the evaluated tasks fell within the medium to very high risk categories, necessitating urgent ergonomic intervention. Discomfort was most prevalent in the lower back (85%), neck/shoulders (70%), wrists/forearms (78%), knees/legs (75%), and elbows (48%). Daily productivity loss due to fatigue was estimated at 648 units, and the calculated Fatigue-Productivity Impact Index (FPII) stood at 19.06%, indicating substantial erosion in operational efficiency. Fatigue was inversely correlated with productivity, with nearly a one-third drop observed as fatigue levels increased from low (1–2) to high (4–5). Moreover, only 35% of entrepreneurs demonstrated awareness of ergonomic practices, while 48% reported having no knowledge at all. The entrepreneurial constraints to ergonomic investment were ranked by severity: financial limitations (51%), limited technical knowledge (20%), space constraints (16%), and lack of expert guidance (5%). Statistical analysis confirmed a significant correlation between high physical stress and both increased discomfort and reduced productivity. The study concludes that ergonomic neglect not only exacerbates worker health challenges but also contributes to tangible productivity losses. Integrating ergonomic solutions can thus serve as a catalyst for improved workforce well-being, operational performance, and sustainable entrepreneurship. This research contributes valuable insights into occupational health in the informal sector and offers practical recommendations for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and regulatory agencies.