Work posture, ergonomic risk, and musculoskeletal disorders in traditional farming communities of Rajasthan

Manual farming operations among small-scale independent farmers engaged in subsistence agriculture expose workers to significant ergonomic hazards, leading to a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study assessed MSD prevalence and associated risk factors among 298 manual farming workers (177 males, 121 females) in the State of Rajasthan, India. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire, and work postures were analyzed using rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and rapid entire body assessment (REBA) assessment methods. Binary logistic regression identified significant predictors of MSDs: age >40 years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.71), body mass index >25 kg/m² (OR = 3.04), working >6 hr/day (OR = 4.6), limited rest breaks (OR = 6.58), and prolonged awkward postures. Postural assessment outcomes revealed that 90% of participants had RULA scores >7 and 84% had REBA scores >8, both indicating high ergonomic risk levels. The findings highlight the urgent need for ergonomic interventions, work-rest cycle optimization, and posture modification strategies to mitigate the burden of MSDs in manual farming communities.