Ergonomic evaluation of winegrape trellis systems pruning operation

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics

Background:

• The winegrape industry faces high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
• Vineyard pruning is physically demanding, repetitive work contributing to MSDs.
• Trellis systems influence worker posture and injury risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess five winegrape trellis systems for MSD risk.
• To evaluate risks to the wrist and lower back during pruning tasks.
• To identify trellis systems that minimize occupational health hazards.

Main Methods:

• Eleven subjects performed simulated pruning tasks.
• Electrogoniometers measured wrist and trunk postures.
• Postural data was analyzed to compare MSD risk across trellis systems.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in worker posture were observed among the five trellis systems.
• The VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) trellis system showed the lowest relative MSD risk.
• Postural analysis indicated VSP as optimal for reducing wrist and lower back strain.

Conclusions:

• Trellis system selection significantly impacts worker musculoskeletal health in vineyards.
• The VSP system is recommended for its potential to decrease MSD risk during pruning.
• Integrating worker health into trellis system choice can improve vineyard safety and productivity.