Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among the Agricultural Workers: A Review

Abstract

The agricultural occupation is considered labor-intensive because most tasks are performed manually using traditional farming hand tools. These hand tools are not designed ergonomically, resulting in excessive stress on workers and leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the body. This study aims to identify the agricultural risk factors associated with the prevalence of MSDs among farmers. Total one hundred and thirty six articles starting from the year 1985–2020 were searched through ePublishers (like Taylor & Francis, Science Direct and Springer) using the keywords such as agriculture, MSDs, ergonomics and productivity. Finally, thirty one articles were selected for the review study that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Through systematic literature review, it was found that along with the usage and design of hand tools, factors like a repetitive task, awkward postures, forceful exertion, vibration, and exposure to hot weather are mainly responsible for the work related injuries among farmers that leads to severe chronic pain and work disability of workers. Lower back pain, shoulder pain, and cervical pain are the most frequent occurring MSDs in farmers, which are recognized as crucial problems in the agriculture sector that are generally neglected. Hand tool design intervention is more effective in reducing the prevalence of work related injuries in farm workers. It is suggested to apply the principles of physical ergonomics not only in the agriculture sector but also in other industries where traditional tools and working methods are being used.