Evaluation of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Postural Stress of Female “Jari” Workers

AIMS: The present investigation was aimed to assess the postural stress and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the “Jari” (golden thread) workers. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 156 female workers in different areas of the Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and Howrah districts of West Bengal, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MSDs of the workers were evaluated by modified Nordic questionnaire method. The postural pattern during work was assessed by direct observation method. The posture of Jari workers has been analyzed by OWAS, REBA, and RULA methods. The joint angle in normal and working posture was observed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MSDs was very high among the workers. The major locations of body pains in Jari workers were lower back, upper back, neck, wrist, thigh, and shoulder. The occurrence of MSDs was higher in lower and higher age group than that of the middle age group. The total work shift of the workers was approximately 13 h including rest pause. The dominant postures adopted by the workers were sitting on the floor with stretched legs, sitting on the floor with folded knees, and kneeling posture. From the results of the postural analysis, the postures of the Jari workers had been categorized as stressful. There were a significant deviation between normal standing angles and working angles. From the overall study, it may be concluded that adoption of stressful postures for longer duration might be the cause of MSDs in different body parts of the Jari workers.