Affiliations: Department of Production Engineering, PSG College of
Technology, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India | Department of Mechanical Engineering, PSG College of
Technology, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Note: [] Address for correspondence: G. Madhan Mohan, Lecturer,
Department of Production Engineering, PSG College of Technology, Peelamedu,
Coimbatore- 641004 Tamil Nadu, India. Tel: +91 422 2572177; Fax: +91 422
2573833; E-mail: gmadhanmohan@ yahoo.co.in
Abstract: Occupational ill-health and work-related disorders are predominant
in manufacturing industries due to the inevitable presence of manual work even
after several waves of industrial automation and technological advancements.
Ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders like low-back symptoms
have been noted amongst foundry workers [20]. Objective: The purpose of this study was to formulate and
develop a Physical Effort Index to assess risk factor. Scope: The questionnaire tool applicable to foundry environment has
been designed and validated. The data recorded through survey across the
foundries has been subjected to regression analysis to correlate between
proposed physical effort index and the standard Borg's Ratings of Perceived
Exertion (RPE) scale [3]. Results: The physical efforts of sixty seven workers in
various foundry shop floors were assessed subjectively. The 'Job factors' and
'Work environment' were the two major parameters considered in assessing the
worker discomfort level at workplace. A relation between Borg's RPE scale and
the above two parameters were arrived at, through regression analysis. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the prevalence of risk
factors amongst foundry workers and the effectiveness of the proposed index in
estimating the risk factor levels. Relevance to the industry: The proposed tool will assist
foundry supervisors and managers to assess the risk factors and helps in better
understanding of the workplace to avoid work-related disorders, ensuring better
output.
Keywords: Foundry, physical effort index, occupational hazards, Borg scale
