Ergonomic risk factors in bicycle repairing units at Jabalpur.

Abstract

Bicycle repairing at Jabalpur in the Madhya Pradesh state of India employs a large number of local youths. In this sector occupational ergonomic issues of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are a big problem and a threat to this profession. The objective of this study was to identify the different ergonomic risk factors for Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) in the job of bicycle repairing. Still photography and video photography was used to record different activities. Different types of non-invasive tools like Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and Occupational Repetitive Action Index (OCRA) were used. Psychophysical measures were investigated by rated perceived exertion scale and visual analogue scale. OVAKO scores (4), REBA scores (13/13), RULA scores (8/8) were extremely high, indicating immediate intervention. The results indicate that the different tasks in this profession are in the high risk category and demands immediate ergonomic intervention in the form of re-design of the tools used and work station or/and the design of the work process.