An ergonomics study on posture-related discomfort and occupational-related disorders among stonecutters of West Bengal, India.

Stonecutting and setting are important tasks in a construction site. A field study was conducted to assess occupational-related disorders and to conduct ergonomics assessment among stonecutters. The study focused on (a) the duration of work per day, (b) the working environment and working activities and (c) the feeling of discomfort in different parts of the body. A detailed posture analysis was performed with the Ovako working posture analysis system (OWAS). It was observed that stonecutters worked continuously in awkward postures during stonecutting and setting. Consequently, they suffered from discomfort in different parts of their body, specifically in the lower back, knees and shoulders, which mainly prevented them from continuing their work. This study also revealed that stonecutters had to work in congested work areas with a poor level of illumination. The noise level and dust particles emitted during stonecutting activities could affect stonecutters.