An ergonomic study on musculoskeletal health hazards among sawmill workers of West Bengal, India.

Abstract

The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among the sawmill workers of Kolkata and to identify the causative factors behind the development of such discomfort. For this study 110 male workers were randomly selected. For the symptom survey, modified Nordic questionnaire on detail discomfort feelings was performed. Analysis of working posture, repetitiveness of work, measurement of handgrip strength, measurement of pre and post working heart rate, measurement of lower back muscle flexibility were performed on the selected sawmill workers suffering from musculoskeletal discomfort. The results revealed that musculoskeletal discomfort was a major problem among the sawmill workers, primarily involving the lower back (100%), neck (95.96%), wrist (87.78%), and shoulder (84.44%). Their activities were highly repetitive and the handgrip strength of these workers was significantly lower than that of the comparison group. The results also revealed that musculoskeletal discomfort was high among the sawmill workers who were doing the job for a longer period of time than those who are doing the same job for a shorter period of time. Based on these findings, it appears that repetitiveness in work, handling heavy load, sustained work activity, strenuous job, and uncomfortable posture might be the causative factors for the development of their discomfort feelings. Thus to ensure good health, safety and productivity of these workers, some ergonomic measures have to be taken as early as possible.