An ergonomic evaluation of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among fish processing workers of Suri

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Fish processing industries have been showing tremendous growth in recent years. Various modern processing technologies and equipment are incorporated in the fish processing plants. Some of the tasks in fish processing plants yet involve manual handling. Prolong working in wet environment in awkward confined posture leads to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The current study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of work-related MSDs among fish processing workers.
 
 Materials and Methods: A total of thirty subjects from fish processing plant between 28-40 years were selected randomly from a fish processing plant in Suri of West Bengal. A modified Nordic questionnaire was applied for the assessment of the discomfort or pain of the processing workers. The study included postural analysis utilising the standardized Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool.
 
 Results: The present study showed that 60% of the fish processing workers complained discomfort or pain in different parts of the body majorly in neck, wrist and lower back respectively. The RULA score of posture adopted during job tasks majorly scaling, trimming, filleting of fishes indicated medium risk of musculoskeletal injury and sharpening of blade involved low risk of developing MSDs.
 
 Conclusion: It may be concluded that neck and lower back are the major occupational health issues prevailing in fish processing workers. Prolong working in awkward posture and in repetitive manner led to increased risk of developing work- related MSDs.