Ergonomic risk factors and Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Fireworks workers in West Bengal, India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectiveFireworks industries are very old, unorganized cottage industries in West Bengal mainly confined in South 24 Parganas. The present investigation was intended to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the workers and to identify the causative factors behind it. MethodIn this present study, 152 male fireworks workers from different age groups and 100 control subjects were investigated. Modified Nordic questionnaire were used to identify the region wise disorders. Hand Grip strength of both groups were also estimated. ResultAmong the fireworks workers posture related musculoskeletal disorders were severely observed in the lower back which was aggravated with the advancement of age and working experience. Pain and stiffness were also reported in neck, upper back, wrist, elbow, knee and ankle. Lower back rest with support at lumber region was strongly recommended. ConclusionAfter analysis of ergonomic factors and results, it can be concluded that the fire workers who are working with awkward postures have high risk of developing WMSDs specially affecting the upper limbs and both upper and lower back.