Proceedings of the International Conference on Recent Innovations in Production Engineering (RIPE-2024) May

30-31, 2024, MIT, Anna University, Chennai-600044, India

An Assessment of Work posture of Stone Carving Workers in small

scale industry
Vigneswaran C, Janani D, Shandeep S C, Rashmi Sree R
Department of Production Engineering, PSG College of Technology,
Coimbatore–641004, Tamil Nadu, India
E-mail: cvn.prod@psgtech.ac.in

likely when handling huge stone blocks or completed

Abstract—India has a rich heritage of stone carving sculptures without the right lifting techniques or
with a guild of stone carvers from 7 th century B.C. mechanical support. The absence of ergonomic
Stone carving uses tools like chisels, hammers to handling aids and lifting equipment may pose a threat
chip the stone’s surface while sculpting the solid to the health and safety of small-scale stone carvers.
rock. The variety of actions like carving, polishing,
detailing has been done to achieve the intricate II.METHODOLOGY
designs of the sculptures. Stone carving industry is
a small-scale industry where workers may adopt to
awkward postures while working leading to
musculoskeletal disorders. This paper focuses on
assessing their postures by ergonomic tools
like Rapid Upper limb assessment (RULA) and the
discomforts faced by them. A chair is designed
ergonomically for these stone carving workers
considering their health, comfort and safety.
Keywords: Stone carving, musculoskeletal
disorders, Rapid upper Limb Assessment, Ergonomic
chair& worktable.

I.INTRODUCTION

Stone carving is often considered as a small-scale

industry which involves stone sculptures, ornaments
EXPERIMENT:
and architectural elements. This ancient art has been RULA ASSESSMENT BEFORE DESIGN:
performed in many parts of the world that paves way
to heritage among various cultures right from Indus
valley civilization and 21st century. Stone carving
begins with a selection of suitable rock and the
selection of tools like chisels, hammers which are
carefully used to chip away the stone particles in order
to get the intricate designs. In case of construction the
good work of stone reflects in high sophistication of
the monument or temple while some aspects of stone
carving have changed due to the use of power tools
and machines in modern times. Long stretches of
standing or bending over the workpiece are common
in stone carving, and this can strain the shoulders,
neck, and lower back. While working, carvers may Fig 1 Sitting posture of stone carver in Catia
assume uncomfortable positions or make repetitive
motions, which can cause discomfort and weariness in
their muscles. Back strains and accidents are more
Proceedings of the International Conference on Recent Innovations in Production Engineering (RIPE-2024) May
30-31, 2024, MIT, Anna University, Chennai-600044, India
For the Rula assessment, various work postures of
stone carvers were analyzed and the most awkward
sitting posture was taken for the study. Rula
assessment has been carried out for that posture.
Originally a chair and worktable design were made
and the analysis is done through Catia software with
manikin. The Rula score previously was 5.
RULA ASSESSMENT AFTER DESIGN:
Fig 2 Design Analysis using Manikin in CATIA
Then the design was modified as hexagonal worktable
and the height adjustable chair was design for the
spacious and comfortable workplace. Again Rula
assessment was carried out through Catia and the score
was found to be 2. The design was made
ergonomically by considering the various
musculoskeletal disorders, diseases, discomforts due
to awkward postures of the stone carvers. Hence the
design was made efficiently. The features of the design
includes manual height adjustment of the chair and the
worktable can be rotated 360 degree. Grey cast iron is
the material for tabletop, the fixtures are made of steel.
The arm rest of the chair is adjustable, stretchable
backrest, Holes for air circulation in chairs, holes for
tool placement in work table, Fixtures for holding
stone and another hole for removal of wastes.
II.RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Stone carving is of small-scale art which is of poor
workspace layout and the workers may adopt to
awkward postures which may lead to respiratory
issues, dust allergy, back pain, strain and other
musculoskeletal disorders. The detailed discomforts
due to various reasons are discussed. For the sitting
posture of stone carver Rapid Upper Limb Assessment
is carried out and the final score is given for further
investigations. Anthropometry of stone carving chair
and worktable is considered while designing them
ergonomically. The features of chair and the materials
of backrest, seat height are also given. Therefore, by
this paper to decrease the worker’s discomfort while
stone carving a comfortable and economical chair and
worktable with optimized workspace is provided.
IV. CONCLUSION
The Ergonomic design will improve the working
posture of the stone carver and eliminates
musculoskeletal disorder and enhance the productivity
and efficiency.
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