Ergonomic hazards associated with freshwater aquaculture and possible mitigation measures

Abstract

Ergonomic hazards are prevalent in the fishery sector of India, where majority of the activities are accomplished manually. This paper incorporates identification of the occupational hazards associated with freshwater aquaculture that included semi-intensive grow out fish culture and fish seed production along with ideas for mitigation measures. Assessment of impact of long term exposure (25–30 years) to some of the occupational hazards revealed work related musculoskeletal disorders and discomforts in 84–96% of the workers. Muscle injury, cut, skin diseases, and eye problem, gastrointestinal disorders, bronchial and lung disorders were recorded in 92–100% workers working for long time in water or in wet condition. Measures/devices conceptualised and designed at Fisheries Research Centre, Assam Agricultural University, for mitigating some of the identified ergonomic hazards vis a vis enhancing work efficiency were incorporated.