Impact of Age and Sex of Dairy Workers on Muscular Stress Caused During Milking - An Ergonomic Assessment

Dairy farming is physically arduous occupation and exposes the dairy workers to various risks factors that have been associated with musculo-skeletal disorders. Hence in present study an attempt has been made to find out the risks factors involved in causing muscular stress during milking as well as to find out impact of age and sex of dairy workers on muscular stress caused during milking. Twenty two females and thirty males of lower age group (30–40 yrs) and ten males as well as eight females of higher age group (40–50 yrs) were selected on the basis of their physical fitness. Findings of the study revealed that awkward postures of wrist along with continuous forceful movements of both arms was found most important risk factor responsible for muscular stress during milking. Further age and sex of dairy workers are the additional risk factors which play an important role in causing muscular stress during milking operation. Hence, there is a great need of automation and mechanization of the dairy sector to eliminate the risks of musculo-skeletal disorders associated with unorganized dairy sector in India.