BACKGROUND: Bicycle repairing at Jabalpur in the Madhya Pradesh
state of India employs a large number of local youths. In this sector
occupational ergonomic issues of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
(WMSDs) are a big problem and a threat to this profession.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the
different ergonomic risk factors for Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
(WMSDs) in the job of bicycle repairing.
METHODS: Still photography and video photography was used to record
different activities. Different types of non-invasive tools like Rapid
Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and
Occupational Repetitive Action Index (OCRA) were used. Psychophysical
measures were investigated by rated perceived exertion scale and visual
analogue scale.
RESULTS: OVAKO scores (4), REBA scores (13/13), RULA scores (8/8)
were extremely high, indicating immediate intervention.
CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the different tasks in this
profession are in the high risk category and demands immediate ergonomic
intervention in the form of re-design of the tools used and work station
or/and the design of the work process.
