Abstract

To identify the ergonomic problems encountered by the users during operation of various agricultural implements and machinery, a case study was undertaken in Trichy, Pudukkottai and Tiruvannamalai districts of Tamil Nadu by interviewing farmers using prestructured questionnaire. The ergonomical problems faced by the farmers were listed and analysed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPPS), in terms of postural discomfort jerks/vibrations, pain on body parts, force required and drudgery involved. About 59 per cent of jerks/vibration occurred during initial ploughing operation. Hand tools required "too much" force in operation of animal drawn implements. About 86 per cent of farmers experienced drudgery in operating animal drawn implements whereas only. About 28 per cent of farmers felt drudgery with power operated equipment. Eye/skin irritation was experienced by 65 per cent of workers during pesticide application due to non-use of protective clothing, hand gloves, goggles etc.

Keywords: Ergomic problems, postural discomfort jerks, Drudgery and Machinery