From above discussions we can conclude that unawareness about ergonomics is observed in industry in which
work is undertaken. Musculoskeletal disorders are present in the various activities carried out in saw mills where a
significant number of workers are working in bad postures and it shows that there is a need to change the body postures.
On the basis of analysis of results and scores obtained by the various tools applied in analysis of the working conditions and
postures, it can be concluded that, there is a lack of ergonomics planning and methods in small scale and unorganised saw
mills which are very large in numbers and employ thousands of workers. Thus the workers are under moderate to high risk
of Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The average scores of both the RULA and REBA are high and percentage of scores
for neck and trunk are high for the subjects analysed, and this evaluation shows that there is a need of investigation and
immediate changes are needed in the workplace. The techniques like strain index which considers the factor of repetition
also revealed the work is done frequently without desired breaks, and attentions to safe work environment and organization
are not adequate. Right tools are not available to carry out effective routine maintenance. Most operations carried out in the
mills are largely supported by manual handling which often results in overexertion and a long term health hazards. Personal
Protection devices such as earmuff or plug, hand gloves are not used adequately and are often considered as irrelevant and
disturbing. Dust and wood wastes are not properly disposed. This was evident from heaps of wood shavings and saw dust
accumulation around saw milling machines. Training is also important: to train and to inform operators about the correct
positions and the manual movement techniques may reduce many incorrect postures
The noise produced in the both the saw mills is above the desired limits and it should be reduced. Finally it was
observed that none of the companies had any safety policies, materials, etc., in place, but a work methodology of most
economical ways was followed irrespective of its effect on the workers. Focus should be on these challenges in practical
terms to form a safety legislation, comprehensive systems approach and monitoring group in the industry to guide the
management in the implementation in order to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards. The present study recommends that p
there is dire need of implementation of ergonomics interventions with proper awareness among workers.
In developing countries like India, the scale of use of human resources in small- medium scale in labour-intensive
industries is enormous. In this situation, it must be obvious that very small improvements in working conditions,
implements, tool design or working methods can lead to large benefits. It is believed that occupational health programs
should focus more on the informal sector, which employs a large proportion of workers. Paying attention to occupational
health and safety in this sector and improving working conditions will undoubtedly have considerable impact on the national
economy and the quality of people’s life