Title: Ergonomic evaluation of cumulative trauma disorders among female carpet weavers in India: guidelines to an effective sustainability in work system 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 cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) is the most common problem among weavers in hand-woven carpet industry. The main idea of this paper is shedding light on the problems encountered during hand weaving and establishes the guidelines to develop ergonomically efficient workstation for carpet weaving. Seventy-nine randomly selected female weavers were surveyed and the data about pain occurring in body regions were collected by questionnaire. Strain Index (SI) technique was used to identify the postural risks. Grip strength tests were conducted to assess the change in static muscle strength during weaving. Most of the participants reported discomfort in different body and palmar regions. There was a significant difference between the physical and physiological factors before and after weaving (p < 0.05). SI priority scores revealed that the working posture during weaving requires necessary action. As the main outcomes, recommended guidelines may help in designing ergonomically efficient work system to prevent CTDs among weavers.

Keywords: cumulative trauma disorders; CTD; carpal tunnel syndrome; CTS; carpet weaving; static muscle strength; physiological factors; work system guidelines; strain index; SI; non-powered hand tool; musculoskeletal disorders; ergonomics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2018.092228

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2018 Vol.5 No.2, pp.129 - 150

Received: 15 Jun 2017
Accepted: 23 Oct 2017

Published online: 11 Jun 2018 *

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