<![CDATA[Manual material handling (MMH) is still widely performed manually because it is flexible and low-cost, but heavy workloads and unergonomic postures can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study evaluates ergonomic risk in MMH activities based on workload and work posture during an ergonomics practicum. Workload was assessed with the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) and Lifting Index (LI) based on the NIOSH Lifting Equation, and work posture with the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). The lifting simulation used a 10 kg load for five minutes with lifting times of 12, 6, and 5 seconds per lift. Higher lifting frequency lowered the RWL and raised the LI. The RWL values were 8.69 kg, 6.52 kg, and 5.42 kg, and the LI values were 1.15, 1.53, and 1.84, respectively, so all lifting variations posed an ergonomic risk. The RULA assessment produced a final score of 7, indicating high risk and the need for immediate corrective action. Integrating RWL, LI, and RULA can identify ergonomic risk in MMH activities and serve as a basis for work improvements that reduce the risk of MSDs.]]>
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