| Document ID (ISN) | 110874 |
| CIS number |
10-0440 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
1059-924X - Journal of Agromedicine |
| Year |
2009 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Kotowski S.E., Davis K.G., Waters T.R. |
| Title |
Investigation of select ergonomic interventions for farm youth. Part 1: Shovels; Part 2: Wheelbarrows |
| Bibliographic information |
1st quarter 2009, Vol.14, No.1, p.33-43. Illus. 26 ref. (Part 1); p.44-57. Illus. 12 ref. (Part 2). |
| Abstract |
The objective of this study was to investigate alternative shovel and wheelbarrow designs as an intervention for youth working to transfer material on the farm with respect to trunk motion and perceived exertion. A lumbar motion monitor was used to capture three-dimensional trunk kinematics during a simulated shoveling and wheelbarrow tasks. Ratings of perceived exertion and comfort of use were also assessed. Results indicated that shovel add-on handles decreased sagittal flexion but increased twisting compared to ordinary shovels. For wheelbarrows, a reduction in the sagittal trunk flexion and velocity was achieved by adding a push bar to the handles, in combination with three-wheels, or utilizing adjustable handles. However, these alterations had little impact on the predicted low back disorder risk levels. Additionally, the youths' perceptions of risk and exertion levels were greater for these alternative shovels and wheelbarrows than for the regular designs. Implications of these findings are discussed. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
shovels; manual handling; hand trucks; ergonomics; young persons; agriculture |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
lumbar column; work posture; design of equipment; subjective assessment; ergonomic evaluation |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Subject(s) |
Agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Physiology, ergonomics
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Agriculture
Ergonomics
Young workers
Work posture
|
