Assessment of musculoskeletal problems of the women involved in peas harvesting

Agriculture is a physically hazardous occupation that places farm workers at potential risk of musculoskeletal disorders and has a more significant impact on women workers health. Agricultural operations if performed in an uncomfortable posture bring stress and strain on tissue, bones and muscles of the body leading to postural discomfort and musculoskeletal pains. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to analyze the working posture of the selected women involved in peas harvesting and to assess the musculoskeletal pains among the selected women. Analysis of working posture of the women was done using low cost ergonomic tools such as Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Quick Exposure Checklist (QEC). Musculoskeletal pains were assessed by using Body part discomfort scale and Rating of perceived exertion scale. The results revealed that squatting posture was not comfortable for subjects indicating high risk to the health of the workers. The action category suggests that change should be implemented in the work posture. Further, the mean scores of body discomfort in right and left hand were 3.81 and 3.7 indicating moderate to severe pain in both hands, followed by pain in fingers (3.51), shoulder joint (3.09) and neck (2.89). Nearly 23 per cent of subjects reported severe exertion and 36.66 per cent of the subjects felt moderate exertion after harvesting of peas. Therefore, suitable ergonomic intervention is required to redress the drudgery of women involved in peas harvesting.