Ergonomics study on work related musculo- skeletal problems of the dairy workers

Problems of work related musculo-skeletal disorders is global in scope and wide-spread in many industries. The Dairy farming which supports the livelihood of nearly two hundred million poors, also exposes the dairy workers to various risk factors that have been associated with musculo-skeletal disorders. Dairy farming in India involves heterogeneous groups of dairy workers in terms of both age and sex. Thus, in present study an attempt has been made to find out the impact of age and sex on musculo-skeletal problems of dairy workers engaged in cleaning of cattle shed and cow dung cake making. Musculo-skeletal problems among dairy workers were studied by assessing intensity of body pain in upper and lower extremity of dairy workers through five point scale. Findings of study reveal that females in comparison to male workers are more susceptible to risks factors responsible for various musculo-skeletal problems, however no male participation in cow dung making was found. Further, females of the higher age groups are more prone to musculo-skeletal disorders than the females of lower age group. On the basis of above findings, it can be concluded that age and sex of dairy workers along with work related factors have a significant impact on development of various musculo-skeletal problems.