Comparative ergonomic assessment of manual harvesting of un-lodged and lodged paddy crops post-tropical cyclone in India.

Objective: In recent times, increased rainfall from tropical cyclones due to climate change affects the agricultural sector, mainly the paddy fields. High windspeed with excessive rain causes lodging of paddy crops, which is difficult to harvest. Mechanized harvesting systems are ineffective in this situation due to waterlogging in the fields.

Occupational ergonomic assessment of MSDs among the artisans working in the Bagh hand block printing industry in Madhya Pradesh, India.

The hand block printing technique practiced in Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh involves highly repetitive tasks with awkward posture, which contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the artisans, The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSDs and the risks factors involved. An observational study and a self-reported questionnaire study were conducted with a sample of 70 artisans. The working postures of the artisans were analyzed using rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and the occupational repetitive actions (OCRA) method.

Occupational ergonomic assessment of hand pain symptoms among Bagh hand block print artisans of the handicraft textile industry in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Hand block printing is a highly repetitive and precision job involving tasks such as hitting the wooden hand block with the hands as a hammer, causing chronic mechanical trauma to the ulnar side of the palm. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related hand symptoms, to identify ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and evidence of mechanical trauma among artisans working in Bagh print of Madhya Pradesh. Occupational risk involved in the artisan's wrist area was identified using the modified Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire (MDMQ) and modified Boston hand evaluation questionnaire.