Ergonomic assessment and hand tool redesign for the small scale furniture industry

In India, wooden furniture is primarily made in small-scale workshops (SSW), and hand tools accomplish most of the tasks. The activities performed in awkward posture causes musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the workers. However, the study of ergonomic assessment of work tasks and workers' posture during work is not explored for the Indian context. This study aims to recognize the MSDs and risky postures among SSW workers using ergonomic assessment methods. Based on the ergonomic assessment study outcomes, the hand tool is redesigned. The findings of the survey were used to explore further issues in employees. 70 randomly selected furniture workers from different workshops located in Kota participated in this research. The highest complaints were identified in the shoulders (75.14 percent), in the knees (54.28 percent). Ergonomic evaluation of posture was done, and workers' awkward posture was identified to improve the posture. After modifying the tool, the worker's comfort was evaluated and found satisfaction among the workers.