Ergonomic Approach for Designing Water Therapy Handling Tool in a Veterinary Clinic
Abstract
Praktek Dokter Hewan Bersama (PDHB) drh. Anton S.A.P has water therapy used for treating small animals up to 30 kg. Handling issues arose when paramedics treated larger animals, as the therapy activity triggered awkward postures that increased the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for the paramedics. This research aimed to design a handling aid for animals (patients) up to the size of a large dog. Based on direct observation and non-formal interviews with paramedics, the design process began with a Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) to identify the ergonomic needs that would be used in the design process with Ergonomic Function Deployment. The selected design concept was the second concept (Ergonomic Semi-Electric Concept), where parts of the aid have an ergonomic shape and adjustable-sized equipment. Based on a simulation, the REBA evaluation of the design showed a decrease in the REBA score from 12 to 2.
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