Asian Journal of Home Science

Nandita Bhattacharyya ¹, Moonty Baruah ¹, Nasima Farhanaali ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Family Resource Management, College of Home Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, IN

Abstract

Tea is the most important plantation crop and the largest organized agro-based industry in India. This industry is highly labour intensive industry where both male and female workers are engaged. The present study was conducted in Jorhat district of Assam (India) to ergonomically assess around 150 workers engaged in different activities in tea garden. Majority of the male (81.9 %) and female (75 %) workers had ectomorph body type. Postural analysis showed that angle of deviation was highest during the digging activity for males whereas for females, it was found to be maximum during deep skiffing. The average working heart rate values was highest during digging for male and of the females deep skiffing was considered as moderately heavy. The grip strength of the male workers was found to be higher for both the hands than the grip strength of female workers. Data also revealed that majority of the workers both male (93.33%) and female (100%) were found to suffer from back pain. Hence, a continuous awkward standing posture, adverse environment and working conditions increased drudgery and decrease productivity of the workers.

Keywords

Ergonomic, Cardio-vascular Stress, Physical Fitness Index, Drudgery

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Mira Kalita ¹, Nandita Bhattacharyya ², Ruplekha Borah ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Family Resource Management, College of Home Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (Assam), IN
2 Department Family Resource Management, College of Home Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (Assam), IN

Abstract

Work related musculo-skeletal disorders (WMSDs) are common health problem throughout the world. Assessment of exposure levels to WMSDs risk factors can be an appropriate base for planning and implementing interventional ergonomics programmes in the workplace. The presents study is focused on posture analysis of the workers working in tailoring units. For the purpose OWAS (Ovaku work posture analysis) method was used to assess specific body postures of the workers and recommend the changes to be made in the body postures while working. The prevalence of WMSDs was studied by using NMQ. The study was conducted on 100 workers engaged in various process of tailoring activities of Jorhat district of Assam, India. The photographs of different sections like measuring, marking, cutting, stitching garments and running wheel etc. showing different movements of the workers during performance of activities was observed. Postural analysis of workers found that 100 per cent workers have some harmful effect on musculo-skeletal system. Light stress, no immediate action is necessary, but changes should be considered in future working in acceptable posture and requires no corrective measures. All the respondents perceived moderate type of joint pain in the body during performances of different sub-activities. Cent per cent of the respondent experienced very severe pain in eye, neck, shoulders, legs, knees, calf muscle and feet. For increasing efficiency and reducing disorders of the workers their working posture should be changed.

Keywords

Posture Analysis, OWAS, Risk Levels, WMSDs.

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Mira Kalita ¹, Nandita Bhattacharyya ¹, Ruplekha Borah ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Family Resource Management, College of Home Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (Assam), IN

Abstract

Repetitive processes and manual material handling are the major problems in hand tool manufacturing units. The presents study is focused on posture analysis of the workers working in hand tools manufacturing units of Jorhat district of Assam. For the purpose RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) was used to assess specific body postures of the workers and recommend the changes to be made in the body postures while working. The impact of posture was studied by using eye hand co-ordination and motor speed of the workers, which was measured by using Grooved Pegboard test. The prevalence of WMSDs was studied by using NMQ. The study was conducted on 30 blacksmiths engaged in various processes during manufacturing of hand tools. The photographs of different sections like preparing sheet, molding, hammering, sharpening of tools etc. showing different movements of the workers during performance of activities was observed and both side of the body was assessed. The results of RULA showed that majority of the (75 %) blacksmiths were working in medium risk level which requires further investigation and changes to be made soon in work postures for improving their health and wellbeing. About 25 per cent of the workers were found in high risk level that requires changes to be brought immediately for the benefit of the workers after proper investigation. The postural assessment of the workers at different stages observed that the neck, trunk at flexion; upper arm at flexion and extension; lower arm at pronation and wrist in neutral position. Changes were observed in Grooved Pegboard test before and after the activities. Proper rest periods were recommended to avoid WMSDs of the workers in the future.

Keywords

Posture Analysis, RULA, Risk Levels, WMSDs, NMQ.

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