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Top1. Introduction
A large literature, relating upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders to occupational factors, has evolved over the past 100 years. Such disorders have been considered endemic in certain industries, such as meat processing and packing. They also have been reported to occur with high frequency in other trades, such as construction, clerical work, forestry, product fabrication, garment production, health care, underground mining, The most common health outcome has been the occurrence of pain, which is assumed to be the precursor of more severe disease.
The small scale industries play very important role in the development of Indian economy and are the backbone for economic growth of any country. In developing countries like India most of the work is being carried out manually, especially in the unorganized sectors. It is observed that the workers worked continuously in awkward postures for long hours; consequently they may suffer from discomfort in different parts of the body.
In most of the small scale industries in India, either traditionally designed tools are used or manual work is performed resulting into work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD’s) among workers as a result of an exposure to the risk factors arising from work activity. Several factors like awkward posture, repetitive actions, heavy lifting, vibration, fatigue, working for long hours without rest can lead to Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSD’s). WRMSD's are common health problem in India, some of the common problems of small scale & unorganized sector are improper Workplace design, ill-Structured Jobs, mismatch between workers abilities & Job demands, Poor human –machine system design, poor working posture, inappropriate management programs. These common problems of small scale & unorganized sector have resulted into WRMSDs.
Various work related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD’s) symptoms are experienced by the workers while performing their tasks in bad work postures and these are associated with long term risks and injuries. Poor working posture is a common ergonomic hazard that can cause fatigue, discomfort and injury risk, particularly at fixed workstations. These postures have an adverse effect on work performance and labor productivity. Labor is one of the most important factors for the growth of small scale industries because it is directly related to the productivity of the system.
In India, musculoskeletal disorders and safety issues of workers are among one of the main areas that need to be addressed. This domain needs special focus particularly in small scale industries which are often unorganized, unregistered and not part of social security system developed by government. In unorganized sectors most work is being carried out manually or by traditionally designed tools and un-ergonomic work places which give rise to injury and WRMSD’s among workers as a result of an exposure to the risk factors arising from work activity. The cost of an injury can be high, especially if the injury prevents the workers from doing the work.
The best way to reduce WRMSDs is:
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redesign the tools by using the principles of ergonomics.
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the best tool is one that fits the job you are doing
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fits the work space available
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reduces the force you need to apply
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fits your hand
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can be used in a comfortable work position.
Human beings come in all shapes, sizes and ages with varied capability and limitations. Every day life routinely presents us with circumstances in which we must attempt to adopt our bodies to workplaces where things that don’t fit us very well. Many workplaces demonstrate the same problem. Ergonomic is the science of redesigning the workplace that fits the job for you by eliminating unnecessary task, positioning work that you do it more comfortably using the right tool for the job. You should use all the ergonomic tools you need. So you can get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible.