Citation

Jain R, Meena ML, Dangayach GS. Int. J. Occup. Environ. Health 2018; ePub(ePub): 1-6.

Affiliation

Department of Mechanical Engineering , Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur , Jaipur , India.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Maney Pub.)

DOI

10.1080/10773525.2018.1547507

PMID

30451600

Abstract

The aim of the current investigation is to determine the risk factors affecting the musculoskeletal system of 100 manual working farmers of India. The information regarding prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. For evaluating the risk in operations, rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) techniques were used. The existence of various risk factors and their influence on the MSDs were found significant during crop cutting/harvesting and weeding operations. Manual farm working postures may be exposing farmers to a substantial risk of developing MSDs in one or more body parts including lower back, fingers, hands/wrists, and shoulders. Postural analysis by RULA and REBA shows the high prevalence of MSDs which should be reduced by ergonomic interventions.

Language: en

Keywords

Agriculture; India; farmers; manual farm working; musculoskeletal disorders