Ergonomic Evaluation of Castor Decortication by Women - Conventional Method versus Manual Decorticator

A. Mrunalini

Abstract: The manual hand operated multipurpose decorticator developed by ANGRAU was tested for castor decortications to study the physiological work load and muscular stresses. Results revealed significant reduction in physiological work load and muscular stresses when decorticator was used compared to hand beating the castor pods. A 33 percent reduction in time was also observed when decorticator was used over manual method which was significant.

Keywords: Castor Decorticator, Physiological Work Load, Muscular Stress