Hand tool project requirements: the case of banana cultivation and its physical demands (OWAS)

Abstract

The cultivation of bananas presents several activities aiming the product processing. Some of these activities are a physical burden to workers, especially to their upper limbs. Therefore, this project analyzed the banana tumbling with the purpose of identifying the critical aspects and, consequently, defining the requirements for redesigning the tools used. Data was obtained by site visit, interviews, and photographs complemented with the use of OWAS posture record. The results allowed the identification of critical issues and the definition of requirements such as change to the tool angle and its handle permitted the adoption of a less sacrificing posture which impacted more positively the workers production performance.

Musculoskeletal disorders in banana culture workers

“…In the tasks of cutting, transportation, fertilizing, backpack spraying, mowing, and thinning related to banana farming, there is a physical and repetitive movement requirement. Because the banana is a delicate fruit, the whole process of cultivation and harvesting requires great caution, demanding greater muscle strength and motor coordination of workers 11 .…”

“…There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in agricultural workers, mainly affecting the lower back and upper limbs [7][8][9][10] . In banana farming, due to work demands, there are correlations between work and the presence of musculoskeletal disorders 11,12 . The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of WRMD in banana farming in the region of Registro, state of São Paulo.…”