Analysis of Physical Workload of Oil Palm Harvesters at Different Plant Ages Using the Cardiovascular Load Method di Afdeling X PT. XYZ Regional X

Dwi Nirmalasari Manurung
Fatimah Fatimah (Universitas Malikussaleh)

Jurnal Industri Samudra
Vol 7 No 2 (2026): Jurnal Industri Samudra

Oil palm age influences harvesting tools, working postures, and activities, potentially affecting harvesters’ physical workload. This study assessed physical workload and required rest time when harvesting 4- and 18-year-old palms using Cardiovascular Load (%CVL) and the Murrell equation. Seven harvesters from Afdeling X, PT XYZ Regional X, performed both harvesting tasks. This comparison used the same workers under both harvesting conditions. Resting and working pulse rates were measured using a pulse oximeter to estimate %CVL, energy expenditure, and rest requirements. Mean %CVL values were 37.76% for 4-year-old palms and 39.58% for 18-year-old palms; both indicated that improvements were needed. Energy expenditure averaged 5.59 and 5.90 kcal/min, respectively, while calculated rest times were 50.59 and 73.13 minutes. Harvesting older palms involved different tools and more demanding postures, resulting in greater physical workload. The findings suggest that rest schedules should reflect workers’ physiological demands to reduce fatigue and support safer harvesting practices.