Three Approaches to Reducing Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Hand Harvest of Treefruit

摘要

Agriculture has been recognized as one of the United States' most hazardous industries. Many workers in the treefruit industry suffer from a myriad of Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in addition to acute injuries due to fall from ladders. The purpose of this paper is to present a modified participatory action research model involving collaboration with farm workers and growers to design and evaluate modifications of tools and work processes to reduce MSDs among treefruit harvest workers. After evaluating tasks and risk factors in detail, three different approaches to reducing risk factor exposures were identified and tested. These include: use of smaller picking bags, alternative ladders, and machine assisted harvest. Trials were conducted in hand harvest of lemons, pears, and peaches. Targeted risk factor reduction was achieved in each approach although results for evaluated health effects were non-conclusive. All of the approaches proved acceptable to workers and owner/operators and show promise for reducing work-related musculoskeletal injuries in this strenuous and demanding work.