Postural Analysis of Female Workers while Performing Load Carrying Activity by Conventional Method and Using Head Load Manager

Abstract

The present study was carried out in Parbhani district of Marathwada region in Maharashtra state. The thirty selected brick kiln female workers performing brick carrying activity since 5-10 years between the age groups of 25-50 yr were selected for the experiment. The posture of the women workers have been analyzed while working in existing method and with new technology head load managerwith the help of Goniometer. Postural analysis of the female workers has been done by calculating criticality index of perceived postures and localized postures and by measuring angle of deviation. It was found that in case of perceived postures, criticality index of posture of upper arm (5.92) and neck (5.78) was higher in conventional method compared to improved method (3.60 and 3.25 respectively). Regarding localized postural discomfort, the highest reduction of criticality index was in case of neck (1.61). The posture at cervical and elbow region was improved with the help of head load manager. Grip strength for the brick carrying activity was measured in terms percentage reduction in grip strength. It was concluded that use of head load manager for performing the brick carrying activity helped to reduce grip fatigue of the female workers while performing brick carrying activity.