Evaluation of the musculoskeletal problems related to Occupational health of sweet makers of West Bengal

Objective : The objective of the study was to evaluate work related musculosketal problems of the sweet-makers and to identify causative working postures leads to stress. Background : Informal sweet making sectors spread over the entire country. Many people are involved in the industry. However, no reports so far, as per our knowledge, are available concerning the assessment of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) of the sweet-makers of India. Methods : The working postures were captured by still photography and were evaluated using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Modified Nordic musculoskeletal disorder questionnaire was used to get information about discomfort of the workers and BPD scale was used to evaluate the degree of discomfort. Result : The results indicated that the working postures of the sweet-makers were very strenuous. The regions of maximum discomfort were head, neck, shoulder, wrists, upper and lower back and mild discomforts were felt at waist, knees and ankles. Although intensity of discomfort varies in workers based on their predominant working postures. Conclusion : The strenuous postures were associated with WMSDs of the sweet-makes, which could lead to physiological hazards and ultimately the productivity. Implementation of proper workstation is recommended for the betterment of the workers.