Ergonomic assessment and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among washer-men during carpet washing: guidelines to an effective sustainability in workstation design

Abstract

The development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is the most common problem among the workers employed in carpet industry working at any stage of production. This study investigates the problems encountered during washing stage and establishes the guidelines for an ergonomically efficient workstation. The data about pain occurrence at different body and hand regions of male washer-men were collected by questionnaire. Postural assessment techniques were used to identify the postural risks and a mannequin was developed in CATIA for biomechanical analysis associated with washing. Most of the participants reported discomfort in different body and hand regions. A significant difference between the physical and physiological factors pre- and post- activity (p < 0.05) was reported. Postural techniques revealed that the working posture during carpet washing requires necessary action. This study proposes certain workstation guidelines that may reduce the symptoms of MSDs, lead to the improvement in working posture and efficiency of the worker.