Abstract:
The goal of ergonomics is to fit the task to the individual, not the individual to the
task. The Ceylon cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka. Traditional processing with weak
quality maintenance and poor intention on processor health and safety were
common evils hindering the progress of the cinnamon industry. The present
approach attempts to investigate the economics of ergonomic practices in the
Ceylon cinnamon industry, to identify and measure the ergonomic hazards of
cinnamon processing, to evaluate cinnamon processor’s performance in 3 different
scenarios; traditional, semi-mechanized, GMP+ mechanized system, to identify the
attitudes of cinnamon processors on mechanization, to measure the economic
returns of ergonomic practices in cinnamon processing and to determine the
appropriate ergonomic solution and its cost. Two hundred and forty processors
from four main cinnamon cultivating districts, Galle, Matara, Kaluthara and
Rathnapura, under each processing method, were the sample. Key analytical tools
were Welch’s test of ANOVA and Cramer’s V Chi-square test. Body and GPS located
maps were also developed. Results revealed that modernized processing systems
showed a low level of prolonged health problems and low health costs. Both
mechanized and semi-mechanized systems were positively significant in terms of
productivity and efficiency (85 sticks per labor per day and 60% efficiency).
Majority of processors showed positive attitudes towards the mechanization.
Higher benefit/cost ratio (1.8), lower payback period (one and half years), higher
IRR (90%) and higher ROI (79.9%) values were the positive signs of mechanized
processing. The study pointed out that both mechanized and semi-mechanized
system had a significant impact on higher performance level. Healthy, safe and
comfortable working environment which encourages the processors to retain,
attractive to both male and female youth, renders higher economic returns for the
Ceylon cinnamon value chain. Best ergonomic practices produce safe and quality
cinnamon which caters for the demands of the international market.