Vol. 10, Issue 6 (2021)

Author(s):
Moonty Baruah, Nasima Farhana Ali and Nandita Bhattacharyya

Abstract:
Digging in tea fields is a seasonal activity and is mostly performed by male workers. The activity is tiring and time consuming. An attempt was made to improve the digging hoe to minimize the physiological cost of work while digging for higher productivity. The modified tool was ergonomically compared with the traditional hoe. Seven physically fit male workers without having any physical disability and chronic ailments were selected for the study. It was found that quality of work carried out with the help of improved digging hoe was better than the existing one. There was a significant difference in the heart rate while using the existing and improved tool. Energy expenditure was found to be reduced, grip fatigue was decreased. The quality of work with improved digging hoe in case of both sub drain and main drain working was enhanced with less requirement of time.