Abstract

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) represent a predominant occupational hazard within the global brick kiln industry. Poor working posture is one of the primary causes of musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace. This research is intended to investigate the working postures of brick-kiln workers and evaluate the associated risk of injury systematically. Digging, mud transferring, mixing clay, molding, and loading are the five main procedures that were considered in order to examine the working postures. Pictures of the various working processes were obtained using a portable camera. Two assessment tool RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) were used to assess the ergonomic risks associated with brick making processes. The results from this study clearly identified digging, clay mixing, manual molding, and loading operations as high-risk operations due to the prevalent disregard for optimal working postures. In summation, this research underscores the pressing issue of musculoskeletal disorders in the brick kiln sector, primarily caused by suboptimal working postures. The careful implementation of RULA and REBA assessment tools has revealed specific duties with elevated injury risks. This research urges the consistent adoption of proper ergonomic postures by brick kiln workers, thus enhancing workplace safety and overall occupational well-being.