Occupational Stress of Women in Small-scale Industry

Abstract

This study examines the work posture of women workers (experimental group) engaged in small-scale industries who have to maintain a constant seated position (squatting cross-legged) on the floor. Along with the worker group, an equal number of housewives belonging to the same socio-economic status were also studied as a control group. The latter group never maintained such kinds of posture for prolonged periods. To ascertain the effect of work posture, qualitative and quantitative assessment procedures were followed for both groups, in the field and in laboratory studies. It was observed that there was a significant difference in body pain and discomfort among the experimental and control groups, which can be attributed to the prolonged sitting postures. The results of various other assessment procedures were considered and recommendations for suitably designed workstations were given.