A comparative study of observational techniques for assessing postural loads in vegetable production system in Uttarakhand

Abstract

Agriculture ranks as one of the most hazardous industry because it is manual labour oriented and agricultural workers are exposed to a variety of hazards that are potentially harmful to the health and well-being. The physical demand of the farm work which ranges from moderate to heavy, often include standing, squatting, bending, reaching, carrying heavy loads and working for long hours may bring certain hazards to the person. Uttarakhand has 1 % share in area and 1% share in total production in India. Among all the vegetable production activities manual transplanting activity is one of the most wearisome and monotonous activity because workers requires to adopt stressful bending posture. The reason being prolonged use of a particular kind of posture, but they were compelled to adopt those postures during work for a long time, which is injurious to them. keeping in mind the research is planned with the following objectives (i) To analyze work postures of workers involved in vegetable production To analyze the work posture and discomforts of farm workers REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) was used.The present study was carried out in two places i.e. vegetable research center of U.S. Nagar District and Doguda villege of Nainital district of Uttarakhand to assess their work postures. A total sample size of 70 farm workers was taken for data using Purposive and Random sampling without replacement. The postural discomfort analysis revealed pain in different body parts among farm workers for which corrective measures in the near future are required. REBA and RULA suggested action level- Investigate and change soon. Due to long working hours, awkward body postures, repetitive work and physical load there exist a high prevalence of postural discomforts among farm workers. Highest Postural load factor was reported during manual transplanting activities for which workers have adopted bending or semi bending postures respectively.