Physical Fitness of Women Workers Involved in Tea Factory in Nilgiri

Gayathri Devi.M, Aditi Vats

Abstract: Nilgiri tea is most popular for its dark intensive flavour and aroma. In Nilgiri most of the tea factory workers are women. The role of women in tea sector cannot be ignored. Simultaneously they are doing household works and are engaged in tea sector to support the monthly income of the family. The main aim of study is to assess the physical fitness level of the women workers those engaged in tea processing activities. Forty workers from two factories were randomly selected. Physical characteristics were assessed by using BMI, Harvard step stool test and grip strength dynamometer. Majority respondents were having mesomorphic body type and their physical fitness was unsatisfactory. This can be overcome by organising nutritional awareness campaign and ergonomic intervention.

Keywords: tea factories, processing activities, physical characteristics