Ergonomics of Carrying Loads by Women in Hills: For Drudgery Reduction, Safety and Comfort

The book is based on an economic research on load carrying activities by hill women of Uttarakhand to assess the impact of the activities on their health—the health hazards, injuries and musculoskeletal disorders in particular. It views the changes in the physiological responses and perceived exertion due to loads, modes, grades and environmental conditions—critical factors in the life of hill women. It notes the effect of different environment conditions on heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of the least cost mode of carrying loads. It examines the effect of various modes of carrying loads on HR and RPE as well as oxygen consumption rate and metabolic equivalents. With information regarding development of an external frame backward—tested in field and lab conditions—for hill women, it discusses how it can bring down the level of physiological cost and perceived exertion without causing joint pains.