Work profile and activity pattern of load carrying workers in grain market

The agricultural sector is a major contributor to the Indian economy. Load carriers in grain markets work long hours, frequently starting early in the morning and finishing late in the evening. The study was to investigate workers' work profiles as well as their load-carrying activity patterns. During the survey work phase, two blocks selected at random from two districts in Haryana state. Forty physically fit people were chosen at random from four grain markets, yielding a total sample of 160 workers. The workers' employment profiles revealed that they were predominantly middle-aged and performed manual labor. The majority of workers carried loads on their shoulders with the help of others, earning daily wages and working long hours. All workers were using hook for load carrying and were doing 20-30 shift/day. Cent percent of worker carried 50 kg grain per shift and spending 2-4 hr. Hence it can be summarized that a huge majority of respondents were involved in work of grain market from more than 9 years and drinking water facilities were provided in all grain market. Most commonly body parts involved during load carrying activity were the upper back, lower back and shoulder while lower arms and chest were the least used body parts. The muscles of the upper back are responsible for maintaining posture, balance and distributing the load evenly. It is concluded that taking steps to improve working conditions and provide proper support to load carrying workers, it can help to ensure that they can continue to carry out their essential work safely.