Evaluating ergonomic risk factors in non-regulated stone carving units of Jaipur

Stone carving at Jaipur in Rajasthan state of India, is a traditional craft employing a large number of local youths. As an unorganized sector problems are many ranging from lack of benefits to occupational ergonomic issues of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders(WMSDs) and injury to body parts.

Twenty five male workers were selected in each of the three sections of a stone carving unit. The focus was to identify different ergonomic risk factors associated in this profession from the field.

Still photography and video photography was used to record different activities. Different types of non invasive tools like Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Occupational Repetitive Action Index (OCRA) were used. Psychophysical measures were investigated by Body part discomfort map, rated perceived exertion scale and visual analogue scale. Objective measurements (heart arte and skin temperature) were recorded with stop watch and digital thermometer.

The working heart rate after 30 minutes of work was 112.4 beats per minute categorizing the work as moderately heavy. Postural analysis by REBA indicated high score (13/13). Similarly postural analysis by RULA showed high score (7/7). These indicate vulnerability of many of the postures to musculoskeletal disorders and injury.

The study indicates that majority of the activities are in the high risk category and demands immediate ergonomic intervention in the form of tool, workstation and process design. This could be done by involving different Non Government Organizations (NGOs), political parties, and the Human Rights Department both at the center and at the state level.