Musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risk factors in foundry workers

The present study aims to identify activity-specific risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among workers from small-scale foundries in western India. The modified Nordic questionnaire is adopted to explore the prevalence of MSDs and associated critical ergonomic risk factors among 181 male foundry workers. Further, logistic regression is applied to explore critical factors causing MSDs in a foundry context. This study investigates manual materials handling (MMH) effect on MSDs prevalence and highlights 'load-handled' as the most critical risk factor. In the process, the study emphasises lower back, neck and knee as the vulnerable body parts. Additionally, it was investigated that workers from melting sections of the foundries are prone to MSDs risks that require immediate intervention. A work system model was used to frame the study and interpreted the results in the context of human-machine interaction occurring at the workspace. The results can be further coupled with engineering interventions for improved productivity in the foundry.