Impact of amputation - an ergonomic intervention

Injuries are a major public health problem in India which also has a definitive causative pattern and mechanism. Every year, injuries contribute to a significant number of deaths, disabilities, amputations, disfigurement, pain, suffering and agony. Identifying issues and problems in the occupational health of women remains a challenge. Any accident/injury to the hand or leg which throws a prospect of decreased efficiency in the present occupation and hinder in other types of work must be considered serious. Injuries due to occupational accidents lead to serious consequences in terms of both clinical courses and economic losses. The causes of injuries can be road traffic injuries, occupational injuries, fire-related injuries, fall, domestic injuries, and violence. The impact of injuries on the general well being is reflected in terms of economic, social, psychological, physiological distresses in the victim .This in turn will reflect as the performance limitation in both the occupational and domestic settings. Absence of emergency and trauma care, inadequate care combined with various dangerous home remedies aggravate injuries and complications, especially in rural areas. Rehabilitation forms an integral part of overall trauma care. Low-cost walking-aid equipment as prosthesis with ergonomic perspective should be readily available for use in community centres. Ergonomic intervention to induce confidence in their life styles should also be attempted. Appropriate use of these techniques along with social support systems for employment, education and home care would be of help to many disabled persons and help to improve their quality of life. This paper presents the findings of a micro level study conducted on a sample of injured women in Coimbatore city.