Manual harvesting is a physically demanding occupation with several work-related issues in which musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) happen most commonly. The risk factors for MSDs among manual harvesting farmers are not investigated properly in low and low-middle-income nations. Therefore, a study among 140 farmers of Rajasthan, India was carried out through the usage of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) technique to identify ergonomic risks. χ2 analysis was used to find the relationship between the MSDs and various factors. Also, logistic regression methodology was applied to get the most influencing factor for MSDs in different body regions. The lower-back, fingers, shoulders and wrists/hands were the body parts in which more than 50% workers reported MSDs. MSDs in one or more body regions were found to be associated with age, daily working in farms, farming experience, gender, hand dominance and perceived work fatigue. The age was majorly associated with MSDs in all body regions except the shoulder and neck as per the outcome of logistic regression. The outcome of RULA grand score had been found higher than or equal to 5 in 92% of the farmers which give directions for further research and changes.

Globalization, advancement of technologies, and increment in the demand of the customer change the way of doing business in the companies. To overcome these barriers, the six-sigma define–measure–analyze–improve–control (DMAIC) method is most popular and useful. This method helps to trim down the wastes and generating the potential ways of improvement in the process as well as service industries. In the current research, the DMAIC method was used for decreasing the process variations of bead splice causing wastage of material. This six-sigma DMAIC research was initiated by problem identification through voice of customer in the define step. The subsequent step constitutes of gathering the specification data of existing tire bead. This step was followed by the analysis and improvement steps, where the six-sigma quality tools such as cause–effect diagram, statistical process control, and substantial analysis of existing system were implemented for root cause identification and reduction in process variation. The process control charts were used for systematic observation and control the process. Utilizing DMAIC methodology, the standard deviation was decreased from 2.17 to 1.69. The process capability index (C_p) value was enhanced from 1.65 to 2.95 and the process performance capability index (C_pk) value was enhanced from 0.94 to 2.66. A DMAIC methodology was established that can play a key role for reducing defects in the tire-manufacturing process in India.

The current study is aimed at recognizing the risk factors for major work-related issues (ie, musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs]) among 138 manual-working farmers. Data were collected using modified Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment score sheet. Different factors influencing MSDs were detected using logistic regression methods. The highest occurrence rate for MSDs was observed in the lower back (71.4%), followed by fingers (62.1%), shoulders (56.4%), and hands/wrists (55%). Factors such as age, gender, daily working hours, hand dominance, perceived fatigue, and work experience were found to be associated with MSDs in one or more upper body regions. The outcome of multinomial regression showed that gender is the most influencing factor for MSDs in all upper body regions except the shoulders. The outcomes of study indicate high occurrence of MSDs among manual-working farmers and highlight the significance of individual and work-related factors.

Purpose. In lower-middle-income countries, most of the work is performed manually using non-ergonomic hand tools which results in work-related health problems. Using hand tools designed in line with ergonomic principles may play an important role in reducing work-related health concerns significantly. Methods. Scientific databases (PubMed, EBSCOhost) and e-publishers were searched for articles from 1985 to 2015 using the following keywords: ‘hand tool’, ‘ergonomics’, ‘usability’ and ‘design’. After applying selection criteria to 614 articles, 58 articles related to the physical design of hand tools were selected. Results. Seventeen articles were related to hand tool improvement in the manufacturing sector. Musculoskeletal disorders were found to be the most frequently occurring work-related health problems. Most of the articles focused on product and qualitative variables for improvement in hand tools, while few articles considered human and task variables. Conclusions. Literature shows that hand tool improvement studies have been given less importance in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. However, some work of significance is reported in the agriculture sectors of these countries. Hence, it is concluded that ergonomic intervention in hand tools is much needed for those industries which employ traditional methods of working.

Purpose. The current research was carried out to determine grip strength (GS) with change in posture and upper-limb muscle activity of manual workers and investigate the impacts of these changes. Methods. For the current research, 120 male and 80 female participants were selected and GS was assessed using a digital hand grip dynamometer in various conditions. Results. The outcomes showed that male participants had higher GS as compared to female participants. Maximum GS was found in a standing posture with the fixed forward shoulder at 45°, elbow at 90° and a neutral position of the wrist and forearm for all participants. Conclusions. Higher values of GS were attained in standing postures which may result in attainment of higher performance levels by the workers. The outcomes justify the importance of correct postures during manual work in industries employing traditional methods.

The aim of the current investigation is to determine the risk factors affecting the musculoskeletal system of 100 manual working farmers of India. The information regarding prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. For evaluating the risk in operations, rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) techniques were used. The existence of various risk factors and their influence on the MSDs were found significant during crop cutting/harvesting and weeding operations. Manual farm working postures may be exposing farmers to a substantial risk of developing MSDs in one or more body parts including lower back, fingers, hands/wrists, and shoulders. Postural analysis by RULA and REBA shows the high prevalence of MSDs which should be reduced by ergonomic interventions.