Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among workers in the brass-metal industry

Abstract

Background

Brass-metal operations hold a longstanding tradition as one of the oldest cottage industries in India. In this industry, workers engage in physically demanding tasks, and the nature of the job often leads workers to assume various non-optimal postures, which can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Objectives: This study aimed to recognize the significant operations involved in the brass-metal industry and identify the prevalence of MSD symptoms in different body parts of brass-metal workers. Further, this study assessed the risk of MSDs associated with brass-metal operations.

Methods

This study followed a mixed-method approach. First, onsite observations and surveys were adopted to recognize the activities involved in the brass-metal industry. Second, the body map was used to identify the prevalence of MSDs among brass-metal workers. Next, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method evaluated the worker's postures.

Results

The study's findings indicate a high prevalence of MSD symptoms among brass-metal workers. Furthermore, the workers involved in the clay mixing task were at high risk of developing MSDs. The most frequently affected body parts of workers involved in the brass-metal operations were shoulders, trunk, neck, legs, wrists, and hip/buttocks.

Conclusion

The study provides compelling evidence supporting the need for work-cycle modifications and ergonomic design interventions to address the symptoms of MSDs experienced by brass-metal workers. The findings will serve as a valuable basis for developing guidelines and designing targeted interventions focused on preventing MSDs and enhancing the overall well-being of workers in the brass-metal industry.