Occupational ergonomic research and contextual design execution of a new workstation to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among Dhokra handicraft artisans: an unorganized sector of India.

Abstract

The Dhokra manufacturing process involves long hours of constrain sitting posture with highly precession-based tasks. Comparative assessment was done to find the effectiveness of the new workstation. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among Dhokra handicraft artisans by analysing the existing workspace and redesigning a new workstation with ergonomic consideration to improve working postures. This study consists of three phases. In the first phase, ergonomics study of existing hand crafting process of Dhokra handicraft was evaluated. Based on the findings a new proposed workstation was considered consisting of sitting anthropometric body dimensions and reachability aspects. In the second phase, a new workstation prototype was developed considering anthropometric dimension and tested against grid board to optimize the dimensions for the final working prototype for the artisans. Finally, in the third phase, a comparative study of the workstations was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the new workstation. Artisans reported a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain symptoms with age in upper body part, lumber, and buttocks. Results of ergonomic assessment showed the current work setup is poorly designed. A new optimised sit workstation considering ergonomic principle works effectively reducing MSD during prolonged working activity. Lack of ergonomic principles in the existing work setup is responsible for the artisan's discomfort and the prevalence of MSD.