Solution for Pineapple Peeling Task at Small Fruit Processing Units: An Ergonomic Design Intervention

by Prakash Kumar

North -East India is one of the largest producers of pineapples in the country, and there are many small fruit-processing units across the region that process pineapples during the harvest season. These units, being labor-intensive, are a significant source of employment for the local population. Pineapple processing activities, mainly, starts with the manual peeling task that is quite repetitive, time-taking and laborious. The well-being and productivity of the workers and highly compromised due to use of old traditional tools and techniques. In spite of the various peeling related issues, the processing units adhere to the traditional peeling methods as they don’t find any solution appropriate to their context of use. The thesis looks into existing work process related to pineapple processing and associated physical and occupational issues including risk factors influencing productivity. The issues are then addressed through strategic design intervention, developing work methods, tools, and equipment for safe, effective, fast peeling of pineapples.

200 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2019