Title: Ergonomic assessment and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among washer-men during carpet washing: guidelines to an effective sustainability in workstation design

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh; M.L. Meena; Himanshu Chaudhary; G.S. Dangayach

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, 302017, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, 302017, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, 302017, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, 302017, India

Abstract: The development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is the most common problem among the workers employed in carpet industry working at any stage of production. This study investigates the problems encountered during washing stage and establishes the guidelines for an ergonomically efficient workstation. The data about pain occurrence at different body and hand regions of male washer-men were collected by questionnaire. Postural assessment techniques were used to identify the postural risks and a mannequin was developed in CATIA for biomechanical analysis associated with washing. Most of the participants reported discomfort in different body and hand regions. A significant difference between the physical and physiological factors pre- and post- activity (p < 0.05) was reported. Postural techniques revealed that the working posture during carpet washing requires necessary action. This study proposes certain workstation guidelines that may reduce the symptoms of MSDs, lead to the improvement in working posture and efficiency of the worker.

Keywords: carpet washing; MSDs; musculoskeletal disorders; physiological factors; ergonomics; RMFA; Rodger muscle fatigue analysis; RULA; rapid upper limb assessment; CATIA; computer-aided three-dimensional interactive application; biomechanical forces.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2017.088416

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2017 Vol.5 No.1, pp.22 - 43

Received: 18 Feb 2017
Accepted: 04 Jul 2017

Published online: 06 Dec 2017 *

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