| Document ID (ISN) | 111523 |
| CIS number |
11-0187 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0003-6870 - Applied Ergonomics |
| Year |
2010 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Fathallah F.A. |
| Title |
Musculoskeletal disorders in labor-intensive agriculture |
| Bibliographic information |
Oct. 2010, Vol.41, No.6, p.738-743. Illus. 36 ref. |
| Abstract |
This article gives an overview of the extent of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in agriculture, together with a historical perspective on how ergonomics has been used to reduce the health effects of labour-intensive agriculture. A summary of exposure to MSD physical risk factors within various classes of crops, along with various administrative and engineering controls for abating MSDs in agriculture, is given. These controls range from programmed rest breaks to mechanized or partially-mechanized operations. Worker-based approaches such as prone carts and platforms or load-transfer devices hold promise in combating the prevalent stooped work in agriculture. Including the worker as an integral contributor to all aspects of developing and implementing an intervention, and considering the psychosocial and socio-cultural aspects of the work environment are crucial elements of effective interventions for reducing MSDs. Despite the advent progress in new technologies in agricultural practices, reliance on labour, especially in fresh market fruits and vegetables, will always be a major cornerstone of agriculture for at least the foreseen future. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
musculoskeletal diseases; ergonomics; agriculture; risk factors |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
workbreaks; work posture; history |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Subject(s) |
Agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry
Ergonomics and work organization
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Occupational medicine, epidemiology
Physiology, ergonomics
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Ergonomics
Agriculture
|
