Introducing ergonomics through "subak" organization among the farmers in Bali

Due to a shortage of owned land, it is impossible for Balinese farmers to adopt fully mechanized tools or techniques. Therefore, the use of handtools for agricultural work is still the only alternative. The ergonomical evaluation of local farmers' handtools is becoming so important. An intensive study was conducted in Bongan Village of Tabanan. The study was focused on the agricultural work cycle and the handtools used. The observation technique was completed by interview and measurement. The results are as follows: 1) all farmers in Bongan village are members of "subak" (water organization group); 2) any activity regarding agricultural work must be in accordance with what has been set forth by the "subak"; 3) the handtools used are hoe, plough, sickle, long knife, herb cleaner and local thresher; 4) pattern of crop planted per year are paddy-paddy-crop; 5) some improvements on handtools used have been done, but some are still not ergonomically sound. To anticipate the result No. 5, ergonomics intervention have been done, such as awareness program, informal workshop and showing good examples of ergonomics tools. From the immediate results, it could be concluded that farmers in Bongan Village are well responsive to the ergonomics information and its advantages.