M. Suhas

P. Prajapathi

D.A. Jolhe

R.R. Lakhe

Abstract

Indian women working in the kitchen are subjected to greater stress due to demands of home activities. Because of faulty kitchen designs, they are also exposed to many occupational health problems like musculoskeletal disorders. The present study was conceptualized to devise some aid for helping the women who work in the kitchen to avoid the discomfort and health issues. The users, the Indian women, are not aware of the benefits of ergonomics and Kitchen work triangle. Proper arrangements for the number of storage areas and the counter space for all the essential things required for day to day kitchen activities would enable less time and energy being wasted. This study was carried out by interviewing the Indian women and also using the questionnaire. Dimensions of the kitchen work triangle are recorded by using measuring tape. The data collected were tabulated and suitable QC tools like frequency distribution, Pareto chart, Pie charts, Bar charts, and Cause and Effect diagram were used for analysis of data. In order to understand the utility of the kitchen work triangle and problems faced by women in the kitchen in this study, we surveyed 11 kitchens in Warangal and Nagpur cities in 2017. The major outcome of the study is the homemakers using modular kitchen enjoyed more kitchen usage compared to nonmodular and semi-modular kitchen users. This study will help to minimize the physical and energy cost of homemakers to improve work efficiency.

Keywords- Kitchen work triangle, musculoskeletal disorders, Ergonomics.