Title
ASSESSMENT OF ERGONOMIC RISK IN DIFFERENT HAND TOOL DESIGNS IN NAPIER GRASS HARVESTING USING POSTURAL AND SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY SENSORS
Authors
R Naveenkumar, R Nithyaprakash, A Saravanan, G Abbas, J Surya Prakash, Siva A, Thirumoorthi P
Abstract
This study focuses on the impact of different harvesting tool on musculoskeletal loads and work posture during Napier grass harvesting. Four harvesting hand tools are employed for this study and their muscle activities during Napier harvesting process is recorded using Surface Electromyography sensors (sEMG). This study examines the activation of three key muscle groups: the extensor carpi radialis, trapezius, and biceps brachii. RULA method is also employed to identify the postural risk during Napier grass harvesting while using each harvesting tool. Out of the three muscles being studied, the Extensor Carpi Radialis (ECR) muscle was the most active. When compared to traditional equipment, the ergonomic design of Model 1 produced a significantly lower ECR activation and lowest postural risk score, suggesting a superior ergonomic posture. As a result, Model 1's enhanced design presents a potential means of lowering the risk of MSDs, enhancing posture at work, and reducing muscular fatigue.
Keywords
Agricultural Workers; Harvesting Tools; Muscle Activity; Napier Grass; Work Posture
Full Text
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