Risk assessments of harvesting activity in oil palm plantation at Kuala Kangsar, Perak

Abstract

Malaysia's oil palm plantations contribute to the country's economic growth, but they also raise significant environmental concerns. It has become a substantial player in the oil palm industry. Harvesting activities present several risks that can significantly impact oil palm production. These risks, if not adequately managed, can lead to a decrease in production levels, adversely affecting both the company and the broader agriculture sector. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the major impacts of oil palm harvesting activities on oil palm production. The study examined four key risk factors, which are labour risk, mechanical risk, physical risk, and ergonomic risk. Data was collected from 40 respondents at Plantation in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, using closed-end questionnaires, and the results were analysed using SPSS version 29. The analysis revealed that all four risk factors have a notable influence on technology adoption within the harvesting process. Specifically, the correlation analysis demonstrated that each risk factor is significantly related to the oil palm production. Moreover, the multiple linear regression analysis highlighted that labour risk is the dominant factor, with a strong correlation coefficient of 0.800 and a highly significant p-value of less than 0.001. This finding underscores the critical impact of labour-related issues on production efficiency. Based on these results, it is recommended that the company enhance its safety protocols by implementing stringent measures. This includes regular maintenance of harvesting equipment, conducting comprehensive ergonomic assessments to reduce physical strain on workers, and addressing labour-related challenges through improved working conditions and training. By adopting these recommendations, the company can mitigate the identified risks, improve technology adoption, and ultimately enhance oil palm production.