Affiliations: National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai,
India | Department of Physiology, University College of
Science, Technology and Agriculture, University of Calcutta, Kolkata,
India
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Wricha Mishra, National Institute of
Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Vihar Lake, Mumbai – 400 087, India.
Tel.: +91 9769393813; E-mail: m.wricha84@gmail.com
Abstract: Objectives: To develop a framework for evaluating the work related
musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Participants: The proposed framework was tested on 15~jewellery
manufacturing workers working at Chinchpokhli region in Mumbai, India and on 15
students studying in a management institute of Mumbai, India. Methods: The framework has been broken into three phases. Phase 1
– Ergonomic-risk evaluation; Phase~2 – Musculoskeletal Disorders
(MSD) evaluation and Phase 3 – Clinical examination. Ergonomic-risk
evaluation determines the relationship between work relatedness and
musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation tries to
assess the presence of discomforts/disabilities in different body regions,
through subjective evaluation tools. Ergonomic-risk evaluation involved QEC,
PLIBEL and posture analysis by RULA. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation
involved administration of self reported questionnaires. Clinical examination
involved muscle grading by a physiotherapist and back strength measurement.
Results: The framework suggested that ergonomic risk evaluation
techniques, self reported body part questionnaires and physical measurement of
physiological/biomechanical transients may have a relationship and can be used
for the evaluation of work related musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: The proposed integrative approach will help in
developing stage wise intervention strategies for work related musculoskeletal
disorders.
