Drudgery reduction of farm women in maize shelling through technology intervention
2007
Singh, Suman | Rathore, Hemu | Mathur, Puja | Rathore, Madhu
Maize shelling is a very drudgery prone activity performed predominantly by farm women. Traditional method employs beating action with sticks on cobs to shell out grains, which is very strenuous and time taking process. Sitting for long hours in squatting and bending position may increase the heart rate out of proportion and lead to irreparable damage to the body by inducing musculoskeletal problems. In order to reduce drudgery of farm women in maize shelling activity, comparative assessment of three types of maize shellers viz. Tubular maize sheller, Hand operated maize sheller and Foot operated maize sheller was carried out on ergonomic parameters so as to promote health and efficiency of women workers. The present study was conducted on 30 farm women in the age group of 25-40 years having normal blood pressure, body temperature and not suffering from any chronic illness. Ergonomic cost of shelling activity was calculated in terms of heart rate and energy expenditure. Rating of perceived exertion was done on a 5 point continuum scale given by Varghese et al. (1994). Body Map Technique was used to assess the musculoskeletal discomfort of the worker. Results of the study showed that all three maize shellers proved efficient on ergonomic parameters reduced average working heart rate and energy expenditure, as compared to the traditional method beating.
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