Research study in CCSHAU, FARM by NGO Mahila Surakshaa Samiti Hisar.

ह कृ वि के फ़ार्म से आसपास बसे गांवों,झुग्गियों और हिसार शहर की महिलाएं अपने दूध देने वाले पशुओं के लिए पूरे वर्ष चारा काट कर लाती हैं। अतः महिला सुरक्षा समिति हिसार की रिसर्च विंग ने वर्ष 2009 में उन महिलाओं पर "Ergonomic evaluation of the collection of fodder ....." शोध किया ....

ABSTRACT A study was undertaken for ergonomic evaluation of the collection of fodder which is drudgerious activity among all the cattle care activities. Women involved in the collection of fodder were tested for their physical fitness with the help of step-test. Twenty physically fit women were selected for the study. A woman collects head load of 46 kg fodder, spends an average of 3 hours daily, revels 3.7 km, at the speed of 2.7 km/hr, per day for collection and bringing fodder for their stall fed cattle. Physiological stress was measured in terms of heart rate and energy expenditure. It was observed that both heart rate and energy expenditure increases as the temperature of the day advances, again with the increase in the workload ( during cutting and backward journey with head load ) both the heart rate and energy expenditure increases, like was these are increasing with age. Physiological cost of work in terms of total cardiac cost of work (TCCW) increases with the age. Bio-mechanical assessment shows that bending posture was adopted for maximum time while cutting fodder. Spinal curvature at cervical and lumber region were work out and it was found that during cutting percentage deviation in the cervical region from the normal posture was determined to be 2.82% and 0.98 % during cutting fodder. Again percentage deviation in lumber region was maximum during fodder cutting and backward journey (22.7 % and 20.7 %). Musculo skeletal problems were asked in terms of body ache and it was reported by the respondents that because of doing this activity they experience severe pain in calf muscles, thighs and shoulders. Sever to moderate pain was also observed in neck, palm, fingers & lower extremities by the respondents. Seeing the hardships of women while collecting and bringing fodder, it is very necessary to develop efficient tools for cutting fodder. Head load causes extra strain on the back bone of the women, this practice should be avoided and some other means should be adopted to carry the load for long distances. Women should be trained for proper posture while doing their different activities of cattle care, to preserve their physique. xoxo