Hand Anthropometry Among Artisanal Welders in Nnewi, Anambra State: Implications for Ergonomic Tool Design

Artisanal and small-scale industries in Nigeria employ millions of workers who use hand tools designed on the basis of ergonomic standards from non-Nigerian populations. Mismatch between hand dimensions and tool design contributes to cumulative trauma disorders, reduced productivity, and occupational injury. Normative hand anthropometric data specific to Nigerian artisanal workers are lacking, limiting the capacity for locally relevant ergonomic tool design. This study aims to document hand anthropometric parameters, including hand length, hand breadth, finger lengths, grip span, and palm depth, among artisanal welders in Nnewi, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional design will be employed, with 150 male and female welders recruited from registered auto-parts fabrication workshops. Measurements will be taken with Vernier callipers and a standard anthropometric tape. Sex-based differences and correlations with stature and age will be analysed. The study anticipates providing hand morphometric data that will support the development of ergonomically appropriate hand tools for Nigerian artisanal workers, reducing the burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Keywords: hand anthropometry, ergonomics, artisanal workers, welders, Nnewi