Assessment of Musculoskeletal Discomfort among Cleaning Staff of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar Using the NIOSH Musculoskeletal Discomfort Survey

The present study concludes that musculoskeletal discomfort is highly prevalent among cleaning staff working in colleges of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The findings revealed that the lower back, knees, shoulders, and neck were the most affected body regions, with lower back discomfort showing the highest prevalence and severity. Most respondents experienced symptoms frequently, with many reporting discomfort several times per week or daily. The major occupational factors contributing to musculoskeletal discomfort included repetitive movements, prolonged standing, frequent bending, awkward working postures, manual lifting, and insufficient rest breaks. These ergonomic risk factors are inherent in routine cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, waste collection, stair cleaning, and carrying cleaning supplies. Musculoskeletal discomfort significantly affected work performance by increasing fatigue, reducing work speed, creating difficulty in performing routine tasks, and lowering productivity. Therefore, cleaning staff represent an occupational group requiring immediate ergonomic attention. It is recommended that institutions introduce ergonomically designed cleaning tools, provide training on proper working postures and safe manual handling techniques, ensure adequate rest breaks, and promote ergonomic awareness among workers. Such interventions can help reduce musculoskeletal discomfort, improve worker health, and enhance overall productivity and job satisfaction.

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