Ergonomic evaluation of weeding tool on vegetable farms

Objective: To improve the ergonomics of weeding on vegetable farms.

Background: Using community based participation, the NY Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health(NYCAMH) partnered with Hudson River Heathcare(HRHC) to develop solutions for musculoskeletal disorders related to sustained awkward postures and repetitive motions in vegetable work. Low back pain was targeted for intervention.

Methods: After discussions of current farm practices with work team members (owners, farmworkers, and public health agencies), an interchangeable bladed hoe was designed and tested. Key project considerations included no damage to plants and owner approval. Months of design iterations led to a prototype with multiple exchangeable blade shapes, able to be sharpened and an appropriate angle for the tool's neck. Field testing during normal work hours involved timing workers weeding both with the tool and by hand. Workers were digitally recorded and surveyed regarding tool use, tool impact on work and on their bodies.

Results: 54% reported weeding faster using the tool than by hand. 80% reported no pain associated with tool use. 93% said they would choose to use the tool when weeding. Time comparisons of tool use versus hand weeding did not support the perceived increase in productivity with the tool. Workers took longer to weed with the tool than by hand.

Conclusion: Weeding by hand can require extreme forward flexion of the spine, and excessive joint pressure on knees. Using this tool significantly alters the posture for the task. Successful solutions to occupational health interventions can be realized by working directly with key stakeholders - farm owner and workers.