Statistical and video graphic posture analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among carpet weavers in Kashmir, India

Background: Handmade carpet weaving involves intense mental focus as well as extended periods of sitting in an awkward posture. Prolonged sitting in the same squat position causes musculoskeletal disorders in various motor parts of the body. Weavers are at high risk of developing Work-related Musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and low back pain (LB) due to the long working durations.

Methods: The effect of hand weaving carpets for a prolonged period of time on carpet weavers was evaluated using a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and postural analysis. A total of 223 weavers and 200 employees from other vocations volunteered to take part in the study, with the former serving as the study group and the latter as the control group. The lighting condition of the workplace was assessed using an Extech LT 300 Digital Light Meter with a measurement range of 0.01-400,000 Lux. The questionnaire data were analysed using SPSS software, and postural analysis was performed using Ergo Plus software.

Results: The Chi Squared test demonstrates that there was a significant difference in musculoskeletal complaints between the study and control groups. A P-value of less than 0.0001 was calculated for all body parts except the upper back. Musculoskeletal symptoms in weavers were corroborated by high Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) ratings in their necks, upper arms, lower arms, and wrists. Furthermore, the statistical mode - the most commonly occurring value in a collection of data of final REBA scores of 10 for the knotting and combing tasks indicated that a change in working posture is urgently required to reduce the risk of MSD development. The average Luminous flux per unit area of 332.05 Lux was observed at weaving stations.

Conclusion: The study's results indicate an elevated susceptibility among a majority of carpet weavers to musculoskeletal disorders in contrast to the general population. Moreover, the looms employed by these individuals exhibit primitive construction, marked by a dearth of consideration for ergonomic principles. Consequently, workers are compelled to assume suboptimal working postures, carrying potential long-term health implications. In light of these observations, the study proposes a series of ergonomic recommendations aimed at enhancing the design of workstations, informed by the discerned findings.