ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing ArtsISSN (Online): 2582-7472
AN ANALYSIS OF ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WOOD BLOCK MAKING CRAFT OF PETHAPUR, GUJARAT, INDIA Vandita Bhatt 1 1 PhD
Scholar, Department of Clothing and Textiles, Faculty of Family and Community
Sciences, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India 2 Assistant
Professor, Department of Clothing and Textiles, Faculty of Family and Community
Sciences, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India
1. INTRODUCTION AND background of the study The
handicrafts sector in India occupies an important position in the country's
economy. There are a vast number of people employed in this sector. It is still
unorganised, and due to this, craftsmen face a number of difficulties in their
craft practices, such as designing, marketing, sourcing raw materials, finance,
communication skills, work efficiency, and occupational health hazards. Pethapur, situated 10 km from the capital city of Gujarat,
Gandhinagar, is one such centre of wood block-making craft. It has been famous
all over the world for its finely carved wooden blocks since the 16th century
BC Posrithong (2013). Woodblock
is a prerequisite for hand block printing. It is made up of seasoned teakwood.
It requires skill, precision, concentration, and continuous effort to prepare a
perfect block for seamless printing. It is tedious and labour-intensive. It
takes a minimum of three years of training to acquire the craft skills. The
woodblock maker sits for hours in a static position and in complete focus to
achieve accurate and desired results. It was found during the pilot study that,
at present, only a handful of craftsmen practice this craft. The number of
craftsmen presently engaged in this craft is less than twenty. In addition to
this, it was also identified that there is enough work but, due to the lack of
manpower (a smaller number of craftsmen practicing), they are unable to achieve
the target in a given time frame. Therefore, increasing work efficiency could
be one of the possible ways for the craftsmen to perform at a higher level.
From the literature review, it was found that ergonomic studies helped increase
the productivity of the craftsmen in various ways. As
stated above, making wood blocks is a tedious job, and craftsmen have to sit
for hours in a static position, which causes damage to various body parts,
which affects health and results in work fatigue. Hence, a study was undertaken
to ascertain the occurrence of work-related bodily complaints, identify
ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), and examine the work
patterns of the craftsmen and their workplace with an ergonomic approach. The
present paper discusses the occupational health hazards associated with wood
block making and the work practices of the craftsmen by studying working
posture, working conditions, and the work environment. Additionally, it focuses
on possible solutions for reducing ergonomic risks in order to boost
productivity and ensure the better survival of the craft. 2. Literature review A
review on similar studies were taken up to understand the various aspect of
ergonomic principles, the procedure of analysing risk, risk factors and
measures to prevent ergonomic risks. Qutubuddin et al. (2013) studied on
Indian saw mill workers identified work-related musculoskeletal disorders and
ergonomic risks, recommending immediate ergonomic interventions and proper
awareness among workers. The study by Widana et al. (2018) focused on ergonomic work station design to enhance workload
quality and productivity among craftsmen. Nine samples were tested before and
after treatment, and results showed improved occupational health, decreased
work load, and increased productivity. According
to the study on Brass Handicraft workers found inadequate ventilation, limited
workshop space, and musculoskeletal complaints at the waist, neck, and
shoulder. They recommended raising awareness about occupational safety and
health Dharmawan et al. (2019). Ergonomics concepts are more
commonly applied in large-scale industries like steel, power, manufacturing,
and automotive, but they can boost worker efficiency by improving tools,
processes, and working environments, reducing pain and disorders Sain et al. (2016). 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS 3.1. Sample selection and locale of the study The study was conducted in the village of Pethapur near Gandhinagar district, the capital of Gujarat.
The criteria for selecting the sample were the craftsmen who are presently
practicing the craft and the residents of Pethapur
village. The total number of craftsmen practicing the craft was only 15. Hence,
the population selected for the study was fifteen (N = 15), and therefore the
whole population was selected as a sample for the study. The sample
selected for the study was 15 craftsmen from eight existing workshops of
woodblock making situated in Pethapur village itself.
All the participants engaged in the craft study were male artisans. 3.2. Tool used for data collection: Questionnaire study The Modified Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Bisht and Khan (2019). was used to collect the required information
from the respondents. It was divided into three sections. ·
Demographic and work-related
information, i.e., age, experience, education, marital status, health habits,
working hours, job tasks, workspace-related information, etc. ·
Body part experience discomfort
interview, i.e., pain or discomfort at different body sites, such as the palm,
wrist, and finger regions, knee, and leg (using the body part discomfort scale,
developed by Corlett, E.N., and Bishop, 1976). This is a 10-point scale and is
used to measure the pain experienced by the respondent to determine the degree
of severity of the pain. Figure 1 Figure 1
1)
Postural analysis was done using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment
[RULA] method by the existing craftsmen in Pethapur.
The RULA sheet is a tool to analyse the upper limb body posture, and it helps
to assess the biomechanical and postural load needs of job duties and demands
on the neck, trunk, and upper extremities. A one-page worksheet is used to
assess the necessary repetition, force, and body position. Scores were
entered for each body region in sections; A for the arm and wrist and B for the
neck and trunk based on the evaluations. Tables on the form are then utilised
to assemble the risk factor variables, resulting in a single score that shows
the amount of MSD risk after the data for each location has been gathered and
graded. RULA is a helpful tool in screening the ergonomic risks at the
workplace, as the final score also indicates whether an implantation of change
is required or not. The RULA postural analysis method is considered a
pen-and-paper observation method. Figure 2 Figure
2
The
postures maintained for the long duration were considered for analysis.
Postures of the upper arm, lower arm, forearm, and wrist were scored as Posture
A. Force load scores were calculated. Neck, back, and leg postures were
observed and scored as Posture B. All the scores were then added to get the
final score, which determined the ergonomic risk associated with that posture. The
questionnaire was developed in English and validated by the expert. Each
craftsman was explained about the RULA scale and Nordic questionnaire before
the interview. The questions were verbally explained in local language to the
respondents, and their answers were noted by the researcher. Self-enumeration
was difficult due to craftsmen's lack of understanding of the subject and the
lower literacy level of the majority of participants. The major advantage of
the interviewer-assisted data collection method was that low literacy rates
could be covered, and the response rate and quality of the data could be
increased by personalising the interview. 3.3. Physical
parameters Physical
parameters such as height and weight were measured using a metal measuring tape
and digital weighing scale (Perfexca). The body mass
index (BMI) was computed from the collected data using a standard equation. 3.4. Sample size and analysis The sample
selected for the study is equal to the population because the craftsmen engaged
in the craft are 15. Therefore, the whole population has been selected for the
study, which is N = 15, and all the craftsmen selected were residing in Pethapur. The participants were interviewed and observed to
analyse ergonomic risks associated with their age, workload, work pattern, and
work area. The data collected from all the participants was then compared to
find the effect of age, workload, and posture on body discomfort. As sample
size was small, the comparison and analysis were done using
table. 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS It is
necessary to understand the tools and techniques of woodblock making before
beginning with the results. 1)
An
introduction to the woodblock-making craft: For hand
block printing, woodblocks are a necessary instrument. A flawless block must be
prepared for seamless printing with skill, accuracy, focus, and constant work.
It requires a minimum of three years of learning to acquire the craft skills.
It takes three days to carve an outline block. To complete the carving duties,
craftsmen must sit motionless for hours at a time. Figure 3 and Figure 4 depict the
equipment needed and the steps involved in creating woodblocks,
respectively. Figure 3
Figure 4
The
results are divided into four sections: i)
demographics and work-related information; ii) body part experiencing
discomfort scale; iii) rapid upper limb assessments (RULA); and iv) analysis of
work area and work pattern. 4.1. Demographics and work-task-related information As
discussed in the methodology, 15 craftsmen were interviewed. Table 1 shows the
demographic details and work-related information. The average or mean BMI index
computed was 23.64 kg/m2, which is considered normal. The daily
working hours spent in craft practice by the respondents were 10 hours,
inclusive of 80–120 minutes of rest each day, and the weekly workload was 70
hours, including 14 hours of rest (7 days working). The
average age calculated for block makers was 50 years. Six of the 15 craftsmen
were under the age of 40; four were between the ages of 41 and 50; and three
were above the age of 50. It was observed that 80 percent of participants had
education up to the secondary level. From Table 1, it has been
observed that six out of 15 craftsmen have limited work space in their
workshop. It was reported that 50% (four workshops out of eight) of the
workshops were run single-handedly by the craftsmen themselves, i.e., four
craftsmen were working without any assistant in their workshop. Hence, they
have to complete all the tasks alone, which results in work-related fatigue and
affects work efficiency. Table 1
The
craft is practiced by sitting on the floor continuously in the same posture.
All of them use cushions for sitting, but nine craftsmen work without back
support. It was also reported that, according to the work pattern, craftsmen
undergo repetitive and continuous work. This caused musculoskeletal disorders
as well as pain and discomfort. There was no significant problem with eyesight
observed among the participants, as they preferred to work in sunlight. It
might be stated that in this case, long-term eye problems would be developed. All
the craftsmen face disturbances in their work due to humidity during the rainy
season, as wood dust clumps to the wood and doesn’t come out easily from the
drilled part. In addition to this, less sunlight during the monsoon season also
creates work hindrances. 13 out of 15 craftsmen use mechanised tools such as a
trimmer, grinder, and hand drill for the finishing of wood pieces, i.e., the
preparatory process. This resulted in saving time and energy and increasing
productivity by maintaining quality. At the same time, it was reported that
many of them faced the problem of breathing. The wood dust produced from
grinding applications may cause a range of health hazards since grinding dust
tends to affect the respiratory system as well as spread throughout the work
area and environment quickly Mahmood et al. (2021). To address the
lighting and wood dust issues, this requires immediate attention and action. 4.2. Body part experiencing discomfort Table 2
The results from the body part experiencing
discomfort scale were used to measure the level of discomfort experienced at
various regions of the body Mrunalini and Logeswari (2016). The light (LD)to moderate (MD) pain in neck was
reported amongst the 9 craftsmen. From Table 2, it is observed that most of the senior artisans
experienced this kind of pain regularly. The amount of disorder and pain
increases in the young generation at times of severe work load. Most of the
senior artisans (n = 5) experienced moderate (MD) to strong discomfort (SD) in
neck, lower back, lower leg and knee. Therefore, it can be said that the amount
of pain increased with the exertion at work as well as increased with the
growing age. There is an association with age as well as work exertion to the
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). 4.3. Postural analysis The rapid upper limb analysis scale was 4 and 5.
The postural score of nine craftsmen was 4. The results indicated that
discomfort was more likely to occur in the neck and trunk. Based on the results
of the RULA assessment, the majority of participants needed more research
before making any changes Table 3. The results from Nordic questionnaire
discovered that body part most affected by pain were the neck, lower back,
lower leg and knee. Table 3
The study was undertaken by observing the
postures and work space arrangement. The postural analysis and the work space
arrangement presented below are supported with photographs and analyzed with descriptions. 4.3.1. Working posture There
are different stages of the block-making process, as shown in Figure 2. The postures differ according to the process or stage of
block-making. The craftsmen need to sit continuously for hours for the carving
process. There are four stages of woodblock making: a) finishing of the wood
piece; b) transferring design to the wood piece; c) actual carving; d) handle
attachment; and e) finishing of the carved woodblock. The process of finishing
a rough wood piece takes immense physical exertion and time. Although the use
of mechanised tools has reduced physical exertion by saving time and energy and
increasing the productivity of craftsmen. The process of carving is tedious, and
craftsmen have to sit continuously in the same posture for hours. It takes a
minimum of three days to carve an outline block. The body parts involved and
affected in the carving process were the eye, neck, lower back, hand, and arm,
and the craftsmen worked in the same static position while carving. Thus, the
degree of stress associated with this position was examined. The majority of
responders were found to work and sit without back support. It was noted that
artisans would adjust their seating positions based on what was most
comfortable for them (Figure 5 and Figure 6). Position
A: It has been observed, based on Figure 5, that some
craftsmen used to sit in a folded-leg posture. Due to this, pain in the lower
leg and knee has been reported. Position
B: Some of the craftsmen used to sit on their paws or by keeping one leg
half-folded so that the elbows and arms got support from the knee and the arm
stayed in the rest position (Figure 6). During
the carving process, one hand was used to hold the chisel while the other held
the mallet, which was used to repeatedly tap on the chisel. Two different kinds
of mallets were employed. One weighs 800 g, which is heavier and was used to
break the wood piece; the other weighs 500 g, which is lighter and was used for
carving and tracing. The mallet used is about a foot long, allowing the
craftsmen to handle it properly and conveniently (Figure 7). Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
4.3.2. Work space and work environment All the workshops were visited, and each
workshop was observed and analysed on the basis of ergonomic principles to
suggest interventions that need to be implemented. Most of the workshops were attached to their
dwellings, such as the warandha or balcony, or
on a separate floor or a separate room used for the workshops, except for one
that was rented and a mile away from the residence. Due to this, craftsmen have
to attend to guests and do some household work, which interrupts the continuity
of the work. It was observed that, out of eight workshops, six needed
rearrangements of tools and space. It was observed that, due to the limited work space, they used to keep
tools in a wooden box or metal trunk. This has made work more difficult
and reduced productivity as craftsmen had to place things aside, then take out
their equipment and rearrange the table when they returned to their jobs. Due
to the time and energy consumed on repetitive tasks led to work-related fatigue
and a decrease in concentration, focus, and interest (Figure 8). It was found that four out of eight workshops
were well maintained and in good condition. The rest of the four workshops need
improvement by reorganising the tools and other stuff to create a better
working area and avoid interruptions during work. There was enough sunlight and
ventilation in the workshops. It was observed that most of the craftsmen used
to mount the cutting and finishing tools with hooks on the wall. The small
tools, such as chisels, punches, and dies, were used to be put in a drawer of
table, sides of the table or in a separate box. Although all the respondents
used to keep the required tools within their reach, it would save time and
energy as we reduce physical activity during work. It was reported that during the monsoon
season, work efficiency is affected due to less sunlight, and wood gets
affected by the moisture, so it becomes tricky for the craftsmen to remove wood
dust from the drilled part because when wood is moist, wood dust clumps
together and forms an impermeable barrier that does not allow air or heat to
pass through. 4.3.2.1. Work pattern Based
on observations and interviews, it was found that in three of the nine
workshops, there were two or three artisans working as assistants. The other
artisans all labour on their own, without help. As a result, the craftsmen's
workload increased, and they were unable to meet the deadline. Despite the fact
that using mechanised equipment has decreased workload by conserving energy and
time, there are still other tedious tasks to be taken into consideration
(starting from procuring wood to packaging and shipping woodblocks). Hence, it
is important to educate the craftsmen about an organised workspace and
systematic working patterns. It
was discovered that most artisans were forced to work at random due to the
limited workspace, low labour force, and large order list. As a result, there
was fatigue and reduced work efficiency. The
way a workplace is designed has a significant effect on employee productivity.
Making the best use of space through optimum placement of equipment,
integrating human factors into workplace design, and effectively aligning the
workplace with the surrounding environment are important aspects of ergonomics Thomas (2012). Hence it was apparent that reorganizing the workspace
by following ergonomic principles will help to improve productivity. 4.3.2.2. Ergonomic
analysis of table used for block making A
table is the most essential and basic piece of equipment used in block making.
Two types of tables were used: one with three inclined legs is called tarbaiyo in the local language, and the other is a
desk called mez. (Figure 9) The
specification of the table used is shown in the table below. It was observed
that the tables used by the craftsmen were in different sizes, with minor
variations. Figure 9
A table with three inclined legs (tarbaiyo): This type of
table is used mainly for carving. It has been used by the craftsmen for many
years since the origin of the block-making craft. By observation and interview,
it can be said that Tarbaiyo has been
designed keeping in mind the following details: ·
Due to its three inclined legs, it doesn’t move while
carving. ·
Three legs allow easy movement of the leg. ·
The board (surface of the table) can withstand weight or
pressure exerted with a mallet since it is sturdy and thick enough. ·
To keep the dies and chisels steady and from collapsing off
the table, one side of the table features 1 cm-high edges (Figure 9b). Desk (Mez): A desk is
generally used for drawing or tracing the design. It was made up of four legs
and had two or three drawers to keep the drawing tools within reach. The base
of a desk had a flat surface and was used for drawing. Some of the craftsmen
are also comfortable using a desk to perform all types of work, including
drawing, tracing, and carving. ·
Drawers make the tools easily
accessible, such as different chisels, dies, and drawing tools such scales,
compass, colour pencils, paint, mallets, and design papers, within reach of the
craftsmen. ·
There is a limited amount of
space for comfortable leg movement because of the drawers (Figure 9a). At each workshop, the length, width, height, and
thickness of both types of tables were measured. A small amount of variance
between dimensions was noted between the tables each artist utilised in his
various workshops. The average dimension was then measured after that. Table 3 indicates that the average height of the three-legged Tarbaiyo table was 14.5" x 17.5" x 11" (L x
B x H), and the average size of a desk was 11.5" x 14.5" x 13.5"
(L x B x H). It has been estimated that the height of the table was nearly one
foot based on average size (Table 4). Table 4
It
was noted during the interview that the height of the tables was adjusted in accordance
with the user's height; craftsmen would either place a wood piece under the
actual wood block to increase height or keep a stone or wood piece under the
table leg to adjust the height of the table (Figure 10). Since doing
otherwise might affect work posture and raise the risk of ergonomic hazards, it
can be said that the height of the table should be proportionate to the height
of the craftsman. Figure 10
The
results of current study are supported with related literature. The study by Mahmood et al. (2021) found that upper extremity musculoskeletal
disorders and ergonomic risk exposure among Pakistani handicraft workers,
particularly the neck and shoulder, necessitate changes in working conditions.
Musculoskeletal problems were identified as a serious issue among craftsmen by Mrunalini and Logeswari (2016) in their
review, which emphasised the necessity for corrective actions to decrease
ergonomic risks. A study found that workers in saw mills face moderate to high
risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to manual work and lack of awareness
about ergonomics and proper postures. Small scale industries and handicraft
sectors were lacking with the awareness about ergonomics, good work
environment, right postures etc Sain and Meena (2016). According to
the study conducted by Caballer (2016) on school desk
suggests that school desks should be adjustable in height to accommodate
students of varying heights, ensuring comfort and ease of use. 5. Conclusions and Recommended Remedies After
Significant ergonomic risks and hazards have been identified after an ergonomic
assessment. These were classified in order of urgency, and possible solutions
were given to overcome the ergonomic risks and increase productivity. The
proposed suggestive measures were derived from research on related issues that
applied and assessed ergonomic principles. The ergonomic risks associated with
the craft and its possible solutions have been discussed in detail below and
supported by the related literature.
6. CONCLUSION Craftsmen spent hours at a time in a static
position at the same place, according to observations and research findings.
Age and work exertion were found to have significant associations with
musculoskeletal disorders. Senior artisans reportedly complained of severe to
crippling lower back and knee pain. With higher exertion and longer work in the
same posture, discomfort increases. The paper states that the RULA score
indicated the need for further investigation on postural analysis and the
implementation of change. There is need to aware young craftsmen about the
ergonomic risks and its importance. It was found that during the monsoon, work
efficiency was affected due to less sunlight. An adequate artificial light
source in workshops is needed to work smoothly in cloudy weather. Wood dust produced with the use of a grinder and
trimmer can cause serious damage to the health of the craftsmen. It would
affect the respiratory system and cause skin allergies. It is intended to
remove wood dust in an appropriate manner. Vacuum suction can be used to
accomplish this. Floor chair with adjustable back support can be useful. Further research needs to be done by designing a
workstation, applying ergonomic principles, and analysing its impact.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS None. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The researcher is thankful to all the respondents for their support and patience while answering the questions and giving their valuable time despite their busy schedules. The researcher acknowledges the support of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) for the opportunity of a doctoral fellowship. REFERENCES Bansal, V. (2020). Role of Lighting in Wood Carving Procedure. Bisht, D and Khan, M. (2019). 'Handle Design of Woodworking Tools: Preferences and Recommendations of Craftsmen and Design Students', International Journal of Advanced Production and Industrial Engineering, 5 (2), 40-47. https://doi.org/10.35121/ijapie202004245 Caballer, M. (2016).
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