Work Fatigue and Associated Factors among Wood-Cutting Workers: An Ergonomic Assessment Using the Fatigue Assessment Scale
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59796/jcst.V16N4.2026.217Keywords:
ergonomics, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), heart rate, occupational health, work fatigue, wood-cutting industryAbstract
Work fatigue is a common occupational health problem in labor-intensive industries, particularly among wood-cutting workers exposed to repetitive physical demands and prolonged standing. However, studies integrating subjective fatigue assessment and physiological monitoring in woodworking settings remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between individual characteristics and work fatigue among wood-cutting workers in Indonesia. A total of 60 participants, comprising 41 males and 19 females aged 19.17–58.67 years, were included in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) to screen for musculoskeletal complaints; the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) was applied to measure fatigue levels; and a wearable heart rate monitor recorded physiological responses before, during, and after work. Spearman correlation analysis examined associations between individual characteristics (age, working hours, daily recovery duration, overtime, coffee consumption, exercise frequency, commuting distance, and heart rate) and fatigue scores. The results showed that 40.00%, 48.33%, and 11.67% of workers experienced severe, moderate, and no fatigue, respectively. Significant correlations were found between fatigue levels and age (ρ = 0.267, p = 0.039), daily recovery duration (ρ = –0.265, p = 0.041), and heart rate (ρ = 0.305, p = 0.018). Heart rate showed the strongest association with fatigue, suggesting that cardiovascular strain may be associated with perceived fatigue during wood-cutting activities. Other variables, including working hours, overtime duration, coffee consumption, exercise frequency, and commuting distance, were not significantly associated with fatigue. These findings indicated that physiological workload, worker age, and insufficient recovery periods were important factors associated with work fatigue among wood-cutting workers. The study supported the use of combined subjective and physiological approaches for ergonomic fatigue assessment and workplace fatigue management.
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