Vol. 7, Issue 6 (2018)

Author(s):
Aprajita Kumari and Harpinder Kaur

Abstract:
Workers of food processing enterprises face several health problems like musculoskeletal disorders, work related stress, rhinitis, dermatitis, respiratory problems, poisonings and hearing loss. Among which most prevalent is musculoskeletal disorders or discomforts. Present study was conducted to identify the body parts affected due to the food processing activities performed by respondents in different micro, small and medium scale enterprises; to study the extent of musculoskeletal discomforts faced by the respondents and to identify the most exertion prone activities in micro, small and medium scale food processing enterprises. For conducting the present study, six micro, three small and two medium scale food processing enterprises were selected from Punjab and 50 respondents were selected randomly from each scale of enterprises making a total of 150 respondents. Musculoskeletal discomforts faced by respondents were studied with the help of Postural Discomfort Scale, Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale. Results revealed that highest discomfort was faced in wrist, neck and low back region of the respondents.