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Purpose: The mining sector plays a pivotal role in meeting global resource demands, necessitating the extensive use of heavy earth-moving machinery (HEMM). Among these, load-haul-dump (LHD) mining vehicles are vital but expose operators to whole-body vibration (WBV) and shocks during their duties. Research indicates potential health risks associated with occupational WBV exposure, including musculoskeletal disorders. Evaluating these risks typically employs ISO 2631-1:1997, which, however, has limitations in addressing long-term exposure and shock effects. Methods: This study quantifies the health risks of LHD operators in Indian underground coal mines using ISO 2631-5:2018 and compares it to ISO 2631-1:1997. The methods for risk quantification from WBV vary between the two standards, leading to a comprehensive comparison. In addition, a cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess self-reported musculoskeletal pain among LHD operators. Results: The results were compared in accordance with frequency-weighted root mean square (RMS) values, vibration dose values (VDV), daily compressive dose (S[sub.d][sup.A]), and the risk of injury (R[sup.A]) factor. The assessment using A(8), VDV, S[sub.d][sup.A], and R[sup.A] produced diverse evaluations, influencing varying perspectives on occupational health despite significant risks. ISO 2631-5:2018 consistently suggested a lower health risk for LHD operators as opposed to ISO 2631-1:1997. Seat effective amplitude transmissibility (SEAT) values showed amplification of vibration in the range of 4-8 Hz. Self-reported musculoskeletal pain indicated the prevalence of discomfort among operators. Conclusion: The study emphasizes a cautious approach when interpreting results and shaping guidelines to ensure sustainable development through the well-being of mining industry workers. Keywords: ISO 2631-5:2018, low back pain, mining vehicle operators, musculoskeletal disorder, occupational health, whole-body vibration, Author(s): Amit Sharma (corresponding author) [1]; Bibhuti B. Mandal [1] INTRODUCTION In an era characterized by the continuous expansion of the global population and the concomitant surge in resource demand, [...]

Background: Most of the cars are imported as cargo vehicles and then converted into commercial passenger vehicles in Ethiopia. Seats are locally manufactured and installed as part of the conversion to passenger cars, with little regard permitted for the standard specifications required. Objective: A descriptive survey, an ergonomics assessment of passenger seats was conducted, and subjective evaluations of seat comfort were collected. Methods and Materials: For long journeys, there are problems of discomfort, back pain, and human fatigue. Anthropometric measurements of respondents and locally manufactured seats were used to conduct an objective evaluation of seat attributes. Results: The findings revealed that the passengers' body proportions and the seat dimensions differ significantly and are not given any preference during design and fabrication of the seat. Conclusion: This study recommends the anthropometric dimensions of the Ethiopian passengers for the design and manufacturing of the vehicle seats. Keywords: Anthropometry, ergonomic, measurement, seat comfort, seat design, Author(s): Vikas Kumar [1]; Kindu Oumer [2]; Eshetu A. Merso [2]; Rohit Sharma (corresponding author) [3]; Jaspreet Hira [4]; Barun Haldar [5] INTRODUCTION For the first vehicle, the first vehicle [...]

Palliative care is primarily holistic care given to the patient and their family where the caregiver plays a significant role in the patient's health and wellbeing. This research studies the perception of the caregivers on the functioning of the Arogyakeralam palliative care project in Kerala, India, in order to understand the challenges faced by women caregivers of this type of patient. In this descriptive and analytical study, the researcher used the multi-stage random sampling methodology. A structured interview schedule was used to obtain data from 54 primary caregivers of palliative care patients who were randomly and proportionately selected from two Gram panchayats (village council) in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Exploratory data analytical techniques like tables, figures, and descriptive statistical methods were used. The findings of the study revealed that a significant portion of the respondents are very satisfied with the home care services and feel they receive education and training on various aspects of caregiving. Structural problems are present, such as the unavailability of medicines and deficiency in the supply of equipment to the patients who require these elements. Another finding is that the respondents also require counselling services and vocational training. The study revealed that women caregivers undergo various physical, psychological, and social problems. The most common health concerns among caregivers are fatigue and sleep-related problems. About 70% of the respondents suffer from some illness which includes symptoms of body pain, back pain, chest pain, hypertension, diabetes, migraine, and hearing impairment. Some of the challenges faced are conflict about care in the family, lack of support for the caregiver, balancing needs of healthy and sick family members, behavioral issues among the family members and care recipient, interpersonal conflicts, and financial insufficiency. The caregivers experience many difficulties linked to lack of support, financial problems, personal health concerns, emotional challenges, patient care issues, and social instability. In the article's conclusion, the researcher offers a few recommendations for the government, the staff of the Arogyakeralam project, and the caregivers to enhance the overall wellbeing of the women caregivers through better functioning of the project and transformative healthcare policies. Keywords: Women caregivers, Palliative care, Public health model, Caregiving, Multi-stage random sampling, Kerala, Arogyakeralam project, Introduction Palliative care is primarily holistic care given to the patient and their family as one unit. It helps the patients and their families facing problems associated with life-threatening illnesses [...]