Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorder: a potential threat to clay doll making sculptors

Abstract

Background: Sculpture is one of traditional art forms of the Indian subcontinent that are made entirely by hand or with some primitive tools
from local and natural raw materials without using modern machines. However, these sculptors complain about work-related physical
pain, respiratory difficulties, noise-induced hearing difficulties, fatigue, and stress. They are compelled to work long hours because most
small enterprises fail to recruit the required workforce. Objective: The study's goal is to examine musculoskeletal pain caused by awkward
posture and long periods of labor, as well as possible solutions. Methods: This study took place in Ghurni, Krishnanagar; district Nadia,
in West Bengal. Fifty sculptors and thirty non-sculptors of similar socio-economic backgrounds participated in this study. The Modified
Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Student t-test
was employed for statistical processing. Results: Analysis revealed that sculptors suffered mostly from musculoskeletal disorders. The
sculptors raised maximum complaints about the pain from the shoulder and lower back. Conclusion: Based on the investigation and
complaints, work posture and workstation modification is required. The design of a newly developed ergonomic workstation and its
usability is proposed for review.