16-25
In rice cultivation, post-harvesting tasks are essential for the preparation of rice. Mainly
females are engaged in post harvesting tasks and they perform a sequential work through manual efforts.
The present study was aimed to evaluate musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) and postural stress of workers
during performing two post-harvesting tasks. The study was conducted on 70 adult female subjects. The
MSDs were assessed by modified Nordic questionnaire method. Posture analysis was made by video
graphic technique. Center of gravity (CG) and spinal curvature and of the workers were measured in normal
erect posture and in different working postures. The results showed that the prevalence of MSDs was very
high among the workers and the most affected area were back, wrist, shoulder, calf and knee etc. The
incidence of MSDs was comparatively higher in threshing task than that of the parboiling task. The
subjects had to adopt different stressful postures during performing post-harvesting tasks. The CG and
spinal curvature in working posture were significantly deviated from neutral posture. The awkward work
posture might be related to the MSD of the workers. From this study it has been recommended that
workers should avoid bad work postures as far as possible during their work for reducing job related health
hazards.