Anthropometric Measurements of Workers with Elementary Occupations in Eastern Region of Nepal- An Ergonomic Approach

Introduction: Variation in the anthropometric measurements of the different occupational groups can be correlated with the variation in ergonomic design for the betterment of the individual involved in works, which eventually affects the productivity of the work. To correlate the occupation, gender and race of the Nepalese individuals with the anthropometric measurements was the aim of this study. Materials and Methods: This is a comparative cross-sectional study conducted among the workers associated with elementary occupation in the Sunsari district of eastern region of Nepal. Subjects (N=600) were chosen from the three major subgroups of elementary occupation (cleaners and helpers, industrial workers and agricultural workers or farmers) having age between 25 to 50 year. Results: Mean standing height of farmers (157.22±4.34 for male and 147.01±4.31 for female) was less than that of industrial workers (163.65±5.43 for male and 149.44±6.40 for females) for male and more than industrial workers for female. Weight was more in farmers (63.66±5.67 for male and 56.68±5.44 for female) than that of industrial workers (59.72±9.29 for males and 52.19±8.53 for female). Wrist breadth was also more in farmers (5.93±0.40 for male and 5.33±0.26 for female) than that of industrial workers (5.92±0.36 for male and 5.30±0.23 for female). Summary and Conclusion: Physical anthropometry cleaners and helpers and industrial workers were more similar in size as compared with the farmers and this could be useful for designing the equipment according to occupations to improve working conditions and to minimize work related trauma and illness.