Instructions for the Preparation Intervention of Shoulder Load Carrier for Porters Working in Vegetable Mandi of Jabalpur

Abstract

AbstractIn India, due to the chief labor force, manual material handling (MMH) constitutes a major part of material handling activity in different sectors. One such sector where MMH is very high is the vegetable mandi. Lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, holding, and releasing several tons of vegetable and fruits are commonly observed in these mandis in several parts of India. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are commonly observed among porters due to repetitive MMH and transportation of heavy sacks. The study was conducted at Jabalpur vegetable mandi, where 30 porters were selected for interview, body discomfort questionnaire, and participatory intervention approach. MSDs like pain in back (85%), shoulders (72%), wrist (71%), neck (63%), thigh (64%), arms (70%) were found among the porters. Participatory approach in intervention helped to conceptualize, select, modify, and fabricate the shoulder load carrier for the porters. The final selected shoulder load carrier could distribute the load evenly over the upper limb, was easy to wear, and had straps with hooks and loops for support. This study concluded that the shoulder load carrier could reduce the potential risks involved in the MMH tasks among the porters and thus will also reduce pain in wrist/hand, neck, shoulders, and back.KeywordsManual material handlingPortersMSDsCarrier designParticipatory approach