Introduction The informal industry of handmade carpet is particularly developed in the Tunisian central region with use of ancestral tools. The hand and the wrist are continually solicited during the different performed tasks, which may result in musculoskeletal disorders.

Objective This study aimed to assess the biomechanical constraints of the wrist and hand among Tunisian weavers.

Methods A 6 months study was conducted among a representative sample of traditional weavers in a region of central Tunisia. The survey was based on semi-quantitative ergonomic assessment of biomechanical risk factors, with video recordings during a period of full activity (25 to 40 minutes). Each recording was stopped at fixed time intervals and converted into one hundred images. For each image, the postures of the wrists and hands were encoded and analyzed with ERGOROM software. The Gestural Variability Score (GVS) and the subjective BORG scale were used to estimate postural variation and the level of exerted force.

Results The average duration of the working day was 7.45 ± 2.5 min. The weavers spent 57.5% of the working time with a wrist extension >30° with a relatively high Flexion/Extension GVS of 46%. In the coronal plane, radial and ulnar deviation were found during 11.5% and 9.4% of the activity time, respectively. Pinching grip of hand tools was spread over 83.4% of the working time range with a relatively low GVS (22.2%). According to the BORG scale, 78.5% of the weavers estimated the force exerted by the hands and wrists as ‘medium’ to ‘strong’ during the weaving activity.

Conclusion During artisanal weaving, the hand and the wrist are deviated from the neutral position adopting awkward postures. Moreover, they are exposed to forceful gripping and repetitive movement, which may lead to musculoskeletal injuries. The prevention of these damages should focus on rethinking poorly designed hand tools.