Analysis of the Body Posture of Weed Farmers using the Nordic Body Map (NBM) Method
Weeding activities in rice cultivation are manual labor that requires bending, squatting, and stooping for relatively long periods of time and is performed repetitively. These conditions can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in farmers. This study aims to identify the location and level of musculoskeletal complaints in weeders using the Nordic Body Map (NBM) instrument. The study design uses a quantitative descriptive approach with a cross-sectional method. The study respondents were active rice farmers who weeded manually and were selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. Data collection was conducted through observation of work activities, recording of respondent characteristics, and completion of the NBM questionnaire covering 28 body segments. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively using frequency distribution and percentages. The results of the study show that almost all parts of the body experienced discomfort, but the parts that experienced severe pain above 20% were the left and right shoulders, at 26% and 30% respectively. In addition, the upper and lower neck also experienced pain above 20%. The level of complaints varies from mild to severe and is influenced by non-neutral work posture, long working hours, and repetitive work. The NBM instrument has been proven effective in identifying potential MSD risks in farmers. This study emphasizes the importance of ergonomic interventions in the form of posture improvement, work time adjustments, and the provision of assistive devices to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.