Investigation of Postures and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Existing gari-frying methods (ITGMs) remain largely manual, with low productivity and health hazards. Awkward posture, a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in these methods, has huge cost implications, but preventable with simple, inexpensive modifications to work methods. The common working postures with their physical workload and postural angle associated with them include sitting-beside SB, sitting-in-front SIF, standing S and alternating-between-sitting-and-standing ABSS. Prevalence of MSDs was determined using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, Ovako working Posture Analyzing System and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. Results showed that posture has significant effects on the prevalence of MSDs, though gari frying is a light task. Specific discomforts in the body were detailed and highest in the trunk. Risk factors include repetition, static work and contact stress. S posture ranked highest in MSD risks, ABSS the lowest; hence the preferred posture. A new ITGM has evolved to widen and diversify small-scale rural and informal women’s income-earning opportunities. Appropriate technology of this kind, adopting ABSS, is recommended in similar activities.