Study on work load and work-related musculoskeletal disorders amongst male jute mill workers of West Bengal, India

Work-related problems, many of which could be prevented with proper ergonomic techniques are particularly common in developing countries. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the work stress and the development of the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) of workers employed in the jute mills of India. Participants: About 219 male workers engaged in different departments of three jute industries in 24-Parganas (North) and Hooghly districts of West Bengal, India volunteered for this study. Methods: Questionnaires along with direct observation of work postures were conducted. Physical parameters such as body weight, height; physiological parameters like heart rate response, blood pressure and psycho-physiological parameters such as perceived exertion rating were studied during different tasks performed by them. Results: It was observed that the 'hacklers' are mostly stressed. Analyses of working postures (OWAS) suggested that their adopted awkward postures were very stressful. A large number of hacklers (92.5%) also suffer from intense pain in different body parts as compared to workers in other departments of the jute industries. Workers report that the pain even lasts many hours after work. Conclusions: Since most of the workers perform repetitive tasks, so both the workplace as well as the work-rest schedule must be reorganized.