Ergonomic Intervention for Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders among Industrial Labor workers in Anand

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of occupational injury globally, affecting workers’ health and causing financial losses for individuals, organizations, and society. MSDs impact muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and the nervous system, often caused by awkward postures, repetitive motions, heavy lifting, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. Developing nations face high MSD rates due to poor working conditions and lack of preventive programs. Over the past 12 months, more than 75% of respondents reported musculoskeletal issues in the lower back (86.7%), ankle/feet (86.7%), neck (86.0%), shoulders (85.3%), lower legs (85.0%), upper back (84.3%), and knees (77.3%). Moderate prevalence was observed in the thighs (73.7%), hips (66.0%), forearms (61.7%), wrists/hands (63.0%), and elbows (55.0%). Prevention is key to managing MSDs, with strategies including job rotation, work-rest cycles, and ergonomic interventions. Industrial ergonomics aims to align work environments with workers’ physical needs, reducing discomfort and injury risks. Proper workplace design, informed by workers’ body dimensions, minimizes fatigue and accidents while enhancing efficiency. Studies show high MSD prevalence, particularly in the lower back, neck, shoulders, and lower limbs, highlighting the urgent need for ergonomic solutions and effective workplace injury prevention programs.

Therefore, the need of study is to carry out ergonomic intervention which can help employees focus on their tasks by reducing physical strain and stress on the body.

Methodology: The participants will be screened with the help of which will include all the criteria regarding the inclusion and exclusion of participants in study. All those who meet the criteria for the same will be enrolled in this study. Labor Workers with pre-existing health conditions or those who had experienced occupational or non-occupational accidents affecting the musculoskeletal system will be also include. The participants, who have shown interest voluntarily, will be selected and an informed consent will be taken for the same and after that Assessment will be taken. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire which is addressing musculoskeletal issues in various body regions and SF-36 questionnaire which shows quality of life will be filled. The questionnaires will be completed through one-to-one interviews with the labor workers. According to that ergonomics intervention should be given to the workers for 4 weeks in form of HEP, which include stretching and postural correction advices.