Mobile workstation to put end to street cobblers' misery
Vadodara: Based on a scientific study on ergonomic challenges faced by
, a team of researchers from the M S University developed a design of mobile workstations for street cobblers.The faculty members from the Department of Family and Community Resource Management of MSU's Faculty of Family and Community Sciences carried out innovative research on the "
" of street cobblers, who often work in harsh conditions and are prone to long-term health issues due to their strenuous work postures."The
was conducted on 34 street cobblers in Vadodara.
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It revealed severe physical discomfort caused by poor working conditions," said Dr Urvashi Mishra, assistant professor, who, along with temporary assistant professors Suraksha Narang and Poripurna Goswami and temporary teaching assistant Komal Parmar, conducted the study."Cobblers spend long hours seated on the ground, bent over their work, leading to significant musculoskeletal strain," Mishra said.The study found that cobblers place their tools and materials on low wooden planks, forcing them into awkward and unhealthy postures.
"The constant bending with repetitive tasks, such as hammering and stitching, contributes to chronic pain and long-term health complications," she said.The ergonomic assessment revealed that cobblers frequently suffer pain in their lower back, knees, and buttocks, which endure the most strain due to prolonged floor sitting and bending."Additionally, significant discomfort was noted in their arms, legs, and shoulders, particularly on the right side, which bears the brunt of repetitive movements and dominant-hand workload," the study states.The uneven strain worsens their physical health, leading to chronic discomfort. "The neck, upper back, and thighs experience moderate pain due to static posture and awkward positioning," the study, which categorised body parts based on risk levels associated with poor posture, states."Our findings depict the urgent need for ergonomic interventions to improve the working conditions of these skilled labourers," said Mishra, adding that the faculty members developed the
design to address these issues."Our research aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8, which focuses on promoting economic growth and decent work, and SDG 3, which aims to improve health and well-being," she added.
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