Technology assessment for grain picking activity

Abstract

Ergonomic risk factors in conventional grain picking activity were musculoskeletal disorders and unnatural postures. Hence, grain picker with higher capacity and comfortable handle was developed and tested. Physiological cost of grain picking activity was calculated by heart rate method. Developed grain picker is rectangular in shape and light weight tool with comfortable handle, which avoids wrist deviation during grip exertion. Ergonomic assessment of grain picking activity by conventional and improved method performed by female and male workers revealed that physiological cost of work was reduced but statistically results were not significant. Overall body discomfort ratings by male and female respondents in conventional grain picking activity were 7.5 & 7.75 respectively, whereas body part discomfort scores were 78 and 92 for male and female workers respectively. The mean weight of grain picked per lift by female workers was 4.34 and 4.67 kg for the conventional and improved method respectively. Whereas mean weight of grain picked per lift by male workers was 4.90 and 5.22 kg for the conventional and improved method respectively .The rating on time load was found to be 2 using improved method in comparison to the 2.5 and 2.66 time load score in conventional method for female and male respectively. On an average picking efficiency of worker was increased by 6-7 percent and there was highly significant reduction in time load in improved method. Perceived exertion rated by all the selected respondents was reduced significantly at high level when grain picking was performed with the help of developed tool. The developed tool for grain picking activity is recommended as there was improvement in the picking efficiency, production rate and grip strength which resulted in significant reduction of perceived exertion and overall discomfort ratings.