Postural Discomfort among Workers Working in Unorganized Sector (Potters)

Anshika Tiwari, Shalini Agarwal

Abstract: Postural discomfort is common in workers who work in unorganized sector. A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the postural discomfort among potters. The study focused on (a) health status of potters (b) identification of postural discomfort. The sample size of the study was 120 and sample was collected through random sampling through interview schedule along with standardized scale. It was observed that potters worked continuously in one posture during pottery. Consequently; they suffered from discomfort in different parts of their body; specifically in the shoulders; knees; thighs; lower back; mid back and upper back; which mainly prevented them from continuing their work. This study also revealed that potters had work in congested work areas with many difficulties. They faced many problems during pottery or making the pots. The hardness of mud and dust particles emitted during pottery activities could affect potters very much.

Keywords: Potters, Body Mapping Scale, Postural discomfort, Posture, rest time, gender