Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea (대한인간공학회지)

Ergonomics Society of Korea (대한인간공학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Materials Handling Equipments Supplied in Agriculture

  • Park, Sung-Ha (Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, Hannam University)
  • Received : 2011.06.20
  • Accepted : 2011.07.18
  • Published : 2011.08.31
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

Objective: This paper presents the factors influencing the effectiveness of materials handling equipments in agriculture. Background: Agriculture is one of the job categories where work-related musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs) are the most common. Statistics shows that majority of farm workers is exposed to repetitive and forceful body movements, lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy materials. In such a working environment, materials handling equipments are required and introduced to assist in the prevention of MSDs and other farm injuries. Method: Examples of materials handling equipments are rail carts, portable lifts, and bale handlers. Contributing factors influencing the effectiveness of materials handling equipments supplied in agriculture were identified based on the lessons learned from previous government-funded ergonomic projects. Results: Contributing factors identified include: (1) forward-looking attitude for the standardization of farming, its environments, and handling equipments, (2) participation of farm members in the process and evaluation of project, (3) leadership of project manager, (4) reinforcement of safety education and training, and (5) project selection and priority of handling equipment. Conclusion: Government-funded research planners, farmers, ergonomists, and farm machine experts are recommended to consider the factors identified when implementing materials handling equipments in agriculture. Application: Actual or potential application of this research includes recommendation for the effective implementation of material materials handling equipments in agricultural sectors.

Keywords

References

  1. Amjad, N., Ahmad, S. A. and Ahmad, S. I., Farm Machinery Standardization, Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa & Latin America: AMA, 31(2), 67-72, 2000.
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Workplace Injuries and Illnesses - 2008, http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf (retrieved October 25, 2009).
  3. Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries(CFOI), United State Department of Labor, National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2008, http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf(retrieved October 25, 2009).
  4. Kim, Kyung Ran, et al., Health Condition and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in Fruit-growers, Korean J. Community Living Science, 20(1), 5-17, 2009.
  5. Kim, K. R. and Choi, J. W., Disease, Accident and Health Behavior of in Farmers and Fishermen, Korean J of Rural Med, 30(3), 279-292, 2005.
  6. Ministry of Employment and Labor, Industrial Accident Statistics, 2010.
  7. RDA, Project for the Improvement of Agricultural Work Environment: administrative action plan of supplying materials handling equipments, 2008.
  8. RDA, 2009 Survey on work-related disease and impairment of farmers, 2011.
  9. Wilson, J. R., Ergonomics and Participation. In J. R. Wilson & E. N. Cortlett(Eds.), Evaluation of Human Work: A practical ergonomics methodology, 2nd ed., Taylor & Francis, London, 1071-1096, 1995.