Determination of Lifting Index for Paddy Storage Activity in the Use of Modified Bamboo Basket by Farm Women

Abstract

Storage of paddy grains is one of the most drudgery prone post harvest activities of Assam. Bamboo basket is a conventional tool used for carrying the grains from yard to the place of storage structures such as bhoral, mer, duly, etc. for consumption or for commercial purposes. The average weight of the load carried by farm women in conventional basket was found to be 14.03 kg. For the study Revised NIOSH lifting Eq. 1991 was used to determine recommended weight limit (WRL) and Lifting Index (LI) for paddy storage activity of farm women in Assam. Thirty farm women in the age group of 25–35 year were selected for study. The design criteria selected for modifying conventional basket were load capacity, frontal length, depth, weight, base and grip of the basket. The farm women have to lift the load of paddy grains from floor to 67.52 inches height. The frequency of lifting was 1.41 lift/min lifts per minute and duration was found to be moderate duration. The average weight of the filled up basket was found to be 10 kg. Physiological workload of storage of paddy grains in the use of modified baskets was found to be ‘moderately heavy’ activity. The recommended weight limit (RWL) and lifting index (LI) for storage activity in the use of modified basket were found to be 10 kgs and 0.97. Use of modified basket for paddy storage activity increases output, enhance efficiency, comfort, and workable life and reduces drudgery and health hazards of farm women.