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Ergonomic analysis of New York apple harvest work using a Posture-Activities-Tools-Handling (PATH) work sampling
G Earle-Richardson1, S Fulmer, P Jenkins
1New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health, Northeast Center for Agriculture and Occupational Health, One Atwell Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA. gearlerichardson@nycamh.com
Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health
|October 6, 2004
Summary
Migrant orchard workers face high ergonomic risks from apple harvesting. This study quantified hazardous activities, loads, and postures, revealing significant strain potential.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Agricultural Safety
Background:
- Back, neck, and shoulder strains are prevalent among migrant and seasonal orchard workers.
- Limited data exist on specific ergonomic factors contributing to these injuries in apple harvesting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt and apply the Posture-Activities-Tools-Handling (PATH) system for ergonomic job analysis in apple harvest work.
- To quantify hazardous activities, loads, and postures experienced by orchard workers during apple harvesting.
Main Methods:
- Adapted PATH instruments and methods for ergonomic job analysis.
- Trained twelve observers on the PATH protocol.
- Collected PATH data through 2,900 observations of 14 orchard workers over four days.
Main Results:
- Identified key activities: picking (62.9%), placing/moving apples (8.7%), and walking (8.1%).
- Observed significant weight-bearing (>10 lb) in 78.5% of activities.
- Quantified trunk flexion and leg posture variations, indicating high ergonomic risk.
Conclusions:
- Apple harvest work presents ergonomic risks comparable to other high-risk occupations.
- Future research should prioritize low-cost interventions to mitigate load and awkward postures.
- Findings highlight the need for ergonomic improvements in agricultural settings.
