Abstract
India is undergoing rapid industrial growth in manufacturing and services sectors since liberalization of the economy in 1991. This growth has led to an increase in health problems and loss of productivity due to absenteeism ‘due to ill health.’ Ergonomics literatures have identified work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) to be associated with several work-related factors. The objective of this study is to assess the musculoskeletal injury and health issue among thirty-five workers working in small-scale manufacturing sector in South India using self-assessment questionnaire and 36 health survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Employees performing different types of jobs (lathe, forging, milling, shaping, etc.) were assessed. We find that workers suffer from high pain in neck, shoulder, and low back with low back pain being significantly high (p < 0.05) compared to neck or shoulder pain. Here, the pain is developed due to poor workplace conditions and work pressure. The evaluation of quality of life of workers done by comparing scores obtained from Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36) for physical health vs. emotional problems also shows that their health conditions are affected due to working conditions. To reduce WMSDs, we are in the process of identifying the contributing factors and providing ergonomic interventions, which will improve the health, worker comfort levels and will help enhance the productivity of the employer and the employee. Problems arising from WMSDs in the low back region have been well documented among industry workers. Present study also supports the findings.
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Adalarasu, K., Aravind Krishna, T., Sashank, S., Kathirvel, S. (2021). Analysis of Health Issue and Musculoskeletal Problem for Workers in Manufacturing Sectors. In: Muzammil, M., Khan, A.A., Hasan, F. (eds) Ergonomics for Improved Productivity. Design Science and Innovation. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9054-2_28
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9054-2_28
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