Ergonomic Analysis of New York Apple Harvest Work Using a Posture-Activities-Tools-Handling (PATH) Work Sampling Approach

Details

• Personal Author:
  Bresee C ; Earle-Richardson G ; Fulmer S ; Jenkins P ; Mason C ; May J
• Description:
  Although back, neck, and shoulder strains are common among migrant and seasonal orchard workers, little data currently exist regarding the ergonomic factors contributing to this problem. We adapted Posture-Activities-Tools-Handling (PATH) instruments and methods for ergonomic job analysis of apple harvest work in three New York orchards, and used the resulting protocol to quantify hazardous activities, loads, and postures. Using a prototype developed previously, we trained twelve contract orchard observers with classroom training and supervised orchard practice. The PATH data were then collected on 14 orchard workers over four days (2,900 observations). Mean coefficients of variation ranged from a low of 0.212 (standing leg neutral) to a high of 0.603 (trunk moderate flexion). Most frequently observed activities were: picking (62.9%), placing and moving apples in the bag (8. 7%), and walking (8.1%). Weight bearing (>10 lb, >4.54 kg) was observed 78.5% of the time throughout a range of activities. Apple harvest work is comparable with other ergonomically high-risk occupations. Future research should focus on low-cost interventions that reduce load and awkward postures. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Agriculture Cumulative Trauma Disorders Emigration And Immigration Ergonomics Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Agricultural Workers Author Keywords: Apple Harvesting Cumulative Trauma Disorders Farm Workes Migrant Farmworkers Migrant Workers Occupational Health Repetitive Work
• ISSN:
  1074-7583
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  New York ; OSHA Region 2
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  163-176
• Volume:
  10
• Issue:
  3
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20029047
• Citation:
  J Agric Saf Health 2004 Aug; 10(3):163-176
• Contact Point Address:
  New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health, Northeast Center for Agriculture and Occupational Health, One Atwell Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326
• Email:
  gearlerichardson@nycamh.com
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2004
• Performing Organization:
  Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, New York
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20010930
• Source Full Name:
  Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health
• End Date:
  20720831
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:60c5769597b7e4e38abf68bff18972042548b96765b19322561f1d9dfd9768b59031db1c4fb32c066836d13fb9c975e77da7ec5ef7da3d230d27bc57f75bbd24
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/190119/cdc_190119_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 493.02 KB ]