Design Intervention Direction for Brick Kiln Industry Based on Ergonomic Study

Abstract

India is the Second Largest producer of clay fired bricks, accounting for more than 10% of global production. Stress at the workplace was linked to absenteeism, higher attrition and decreased productivity. Physiological, Postural, and Psychological stresses are mainly four major stresses that affect productivity/human performance. A good numbers of research paper suggested that “design intervention” is required as soon as possible in brick making industry. In Indian brick-making industry, prioritization of direction for design intervention is essential. Keeping in mind, the necessity of prioritization between Physiological, Postural, and Psychological stress (P-P-P Scale), the present study focused to give direction guidelines for design intervention.

To validate above scale, three activities (Mud Making, Brick Moulding and Brick firing/Jalai) were selected from the brick making process. Heart Rate, QEC, PSS and CET were measured to know the Physiological, Postural and Psychological stress for above three activities. It was found that Physiological stress is higher for Mud making activity, Postural stress is higher for brick moulding activity. This result gives a clear design direction for redesigning the task.

In conclusion, it is suggested that when the dominant stress experienced by the workers in unorganized sector is identified and prioritized, the direction for design intervention is easier for the designer.