Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Ergonomic Risk Levels among Manual Harvesting Farmers in Rural Raigad District

Agriculture is one of the major physically demanding occupations, exposing workers to various occupational ergonomic risk factors that may contribute to work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. Manual harvesting involves repetitive bending, squatting, lifting, carrying loads, and maintaining awkward working postures, increasing physical strain on the musculoskeletal system. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and ergonomic risk levels among manual harvesting farmers in rural Raigad District, Maharashtra. We conducted a prevalence study among 150 male and female manual harvesting farmers aged 30-60 years, selected through convenience sampling. The NMQ was used to assess musculoskeletal symptoms across different body regions, while the REBA scale was used to evaluate ergonomic risk associated with harvesting postures. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, and descriptive statistics were used to analyse frequencies and percentages. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among manual harvesting farmers was 94.67%. The most commonly affected body region was the lower back (77.33%), followed by the neck (50%) and upper back (49.33%) during the previous 12months. Furthermore, 63.33% of participants demonstrated very high ergonomic risk during forward bending in standing while plucking, whereas 16.67% demonstrated very high ergonomic risk during forward bending and lifting heavy weights. The study concluded that manual harvesting farmers experience a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and considerable ergonomic risk, particularly during repetitive bending and lifting activities. These findings highlight the need to reduce occupational musculoskeletal problems among farmers.