Working Posture Analysis of Female Residential Building Sweepers Using OWAS Method

Abstract

Background. Previous studies on various occupations requiring manual material handling have shown an association between WMSDs and heavy load lifting, repetition, forceful exertion and awkward posture; also, their effect on health and quality of life. Objectives. To investigate the postures and related musculoskeletal problems experienced by female residential building sweepers working in urban Mumbai. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 sweepers for MSD problems and posture analysis on 120 residential building sweepers with mean age 38.4 years. A standardized Nordic questionnaire was used to assess the MSD problems. For the posture analysis Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) was adapted. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. 85.5% of the sweepers reported low back problems, 83% shoulder and 52% reported calf pain. Majority of the sweepers adopted 5 main postures: 1. Collecting garbage and putting it into a bin, 2. Sweeping passage area, 3. Sweeping staircase, 4. Sweeping parking area, 5. Pulling garbage bin and 6. Carrying bin on shoulder to dispose. Most of these activities were performed in standing, forward bending position with arms abducted and knee bent. The activity of putting the garbage in the main society bin was classified into OWAS category 4, and sweeping the passage/ parking and pulling the garbage bin to the main gate into category 3. Maximum working time was spent on taking the garbage from individual homes followed by sweeping/mopping the floor or staircase or wing entrance. Comparatively less time was spent in segregation of waste or carrying garbage to the main gate. Conclusions. In the present study, the repetitive nature of tasks and awkward posture resulted in high incidence of MSD problems. It is suggested to have ergonomic intervention by conducting training programs on posture, safety measures and periodic medical check-up for the sweepers.