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Evaluating Ergonomic Risks in Manual Lychee Harvesting Using PATH and Hierarchical Task Analysis: An Observational
Prakasit Tonchoy1, Phakinee Suta2, Supakan Kantow1
1Department of Occupational Health and Safety, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand.
Journal of UOEH
|June 3, 2026
Summary
Lychee harvesting poses significant ergonomic risks for agricultural workers, with frequent non-neutral postures and heavy loads contributing to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Interventions are needed to improve safety and reduce WMSD risks.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Ergonomics
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common in agricultural workers, especially during harvesting.
- Lychee harvesting in Thailand, a major global producer, has not been adequately studied for ergonomic risks despite evident exposure.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for worker well-being and sustainable agricultural practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify the ergonomic risks associated with lychee harvesting in Thailand.
- To identify specific postures, tasks, and handling methods contributing to potential MSDs in lychee harvesters.
- To provide evidence for the development of targeted ergonomic interventions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study involving 104 male lychee harvesters during the 2022 harvest season in Phayao Province, Thailand.
- Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) to segment harvesting tasks and the Posture, Activity, Tools, and Handling (PATH) method to assess ergonomic exposures.
- Video recording of full tasks and a structured checklist to categorize postures as neutral or non-neutral.
Main Results:
- Harvesters, with a mean age of 53.5 years, frequently adopted non-neutral neck (59%) and trunk (58%) postures, including severe forward flexion and lateral bending/twisting.
- Tasks involved carrying heavy loads (9.5 kg) unilaterally, prolonged arm elevation, long travel distances, and repetitive motions, exacerbating biomechanical strain.
- Factors like ladder height, tool design, and task repetition significantly contributed to ergonomic risks.
Conclusions:
- Lychee harvesting presents substantial ergonomic risks due to non-neutral postures, asymmetrical loading, and repetitive tasks.
- Urgent implementation of ergonomic interventions is recommended, including redesigning carrying baskets for bilateral use and improving ladder safety.
- Participatory workflow reorganization is essential to mitigate work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risks in seasonal fruit agriculture.
