Low cost ergonomic interventions to reduce risk factors for work related musculoskeletal disorders during dairy farming

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Workers engaged in dairy farming are exposed to awkward and poor postures that may result in workrelated musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). OBJECTIVE: This study carried out ergonomic interventions in order to eliminate and reduce awkward postures in dairy farming. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study applied rapid entire body assessments (REBA) to evaluate the risks associated with each posture while performing the assigned tasks on a dairy farm in Iran to identify high and very high-risk tasks. A participatory ergonomics model was used that incorporated suggestions by dairy workers to design the used interventions. RESULTS: In the first intervention, by using an automatic transmission system for pouring milk, one high and one very high-risk task-pouring milk into a bucket and pouring milk from a bucket into a tank, respectively-were eliminated. In the second intervention, two high-risk tasks-filling corn containers and pouring corn into the milling machine-were eliminated by using a material conveying vacuum pump to transfer corn from the ground to the opening of the milling machine. In the third intervention, a simple and cheap holding device for the bag was designed to reduce the posture risk score from very high to medium. The fourth intervention involved the use of a shovel with a handle appropriate to the anthropometric characteristics of the workers that reduced the posture risk from very high to medium. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that applying participatory ergonomic principles along with low cost and simple designs with high performance resulted in significant reductions in postural risks pertaining to of musculoskeletal disorders on Iran dairy farms.

Machine Learning Model to Estimate Net Joint Moments during Lifting Task Using Wearable Sensors: A Preliminary Study for Design of Exoskeleton Control System

“…For example, paramedics show a 13 times higher risk of musculoskeletal disorders than other medical workers, mainly due to frequent lifting of patients [44]. In addition, agricultural workers are also exposed to musculoskeletal disorders caused by lifting work, carrying heavy objects, or improper posture [45,46]. Based on the system proposed in this study, a prediction of the lower extremities and L5/S1 joint moment might provide a continuous health notification for workers who do not have an irregular working environment.…”

Development and validation of the tool for the evaluation of the behavioral factors affecting the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in Iranian students

“…MSDs are defined as health problems in the motor system, such as muscles, tendons, bones, cartilages, ligaments, and nerves [8][9][10]. The term includes minor transient complaints to irreversible damage and disability [11]. The prevalence of MSDs is between 16% and 86% in school children in developed countries, and in the range of 46.3-88.8% in developing countries [12].…”

Profile and risk factors in farmer injuries: a review based on Haddon matrix and 5 E’s risk reduction strategy

“…The integration of new technology or equipment can not only enhance the optimization of agricultural practices but also mitigate the risks associated with agriculture-related injuries. First, incorporating ergonomics interventions can effectively reduce the likelihood of strains and sprains, particularly among younger farmers ( 115 ). Recent research has shed light on emerging human-robot synergy systems aimed at minimizing work-related injuries ( 116 ).…”