Statistical Interpretation of Collected Anthropometric Data of Agricultural Workers From Northeast India and Comparison With National and International Databases

Abstract

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Integrated applications of ergonomics and human factors are crucial for designers of agricultural tools and equipment, to improve performance and to enhance safety and productivity. Tools and equipment that do not fit properly with a user's physical characteristics can cause discomfort and fatigue, and may result in low productivity and a higher incidence of accidents/injuries. For workers in the northeastern region of India, it is often not possible to manufacture or adapt user-compatible tools and equipment due to the limited availability of anthropometric and biomechanical data. The anthropometric database developed here is intended to address this lack of information and to assist in the development of anthropometrically compatible tools and equipment for the Assamese population (residents of “Assam,” a state from the northeast region of India). Statistical analyses (principal component and regression analysis) are also reported to help in identifying key anthropometric characteristics to be measured to derive other pertinent anthropometric variables. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Well-being, efficiency, and productivity of workers can depend substantially on the tools and equipment that they use. To enhance these, along with comfort and safety, tools and equipment should be compatible with the anthropometric characteristics of the intended user. Although anthropometric data are essential for effective equipment design, there is often little published anthropometric data for a given target population, and this is specifically the case for male Assamese agricultural workers. Purpose: To develop an anthropometric database (n = 130) of male agricultural workers within the “Kamrup” district of Assam. Collected data were compared with national and international databases to justify the need to develop local and regional databases. Method: Following a pilot study involving 20 participants, to evaluate the reliability of the anthropometric measurements, the main field study was conducted on 130 male agricultural workers (age range: 17 to 62 years) for a set of 26 body dimensions (along with age and body mass). Results: Mean (standard deviation) of age, stature, and body mass were 37.3 (11.7) years, 1,627.5 (45.9) mm and 55.2 (7.0) kg, respectively. Following principal component analysis of 25 anthropometric variables, six variables were representative of six principal components/factors. Linear regression analysis was used to predict some pertinent body dimensions. Some significant differences were found when comparing the current anthropometric data with databases from other zones of India (Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, and Northeast) and with male anthropometric data of other countries. Conclusions: Differences in anthropometric data within and between countries indicate that simple adoption of agricultural tools and equipment from specific regions might lead to occupational health hazards in the target population.