A review of the ergonomic problems of agricultural activities in connection with mechanization: Some Iranian farm works as instances.

IF 1.7 4区 医学 Q3 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Abdollah Hayati, Afshin Marzban
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

BackgroundAgricultural mechanization has transformed global farming productivity, yet many developing nations like Iran continue to face significant ergonomic challenges. Traditional farming methods persist in key sectors (date palm, saffron, dairy, vegetables, and sesame), exposing workers to hazardous conditions. These issues are compounded by uneven mechanization adoption and socioeconomic barriers in rural communities.ObjectiveThis study aims to review ergonomic risks in Iran's labor-intensive agricultural operations, analyze the effectiveness of current mechanization solutions, and identify practical interventions to improve worker health without compromising productivity. The study focuses on five mentioned economically critical sectors.MethodsWe conducted a review of 27 peer-reviewed studies (2005-2024) from Iranian and international databases. Inclusion criteria prioritized field-based ergonomic assessments, mechanization trials, and intervention studies in English/Persian. Data were synthesized to compare risks across operations and evaluate solution efficacy.ResultsThree key patterns emerged: (1) Mechanization improved work speed (e.g., 0.96 ha/labor-hour for plowing vs. 0.002 ha/labor-hour manual harvesting) but often introduced new risks (e.g., static postures in milking parlors); (2) Simple interventions showed disproportionate benefits - modified climbing tools reduced fall risks in date orchards, while kneepads decreased musculoskeletal pain in saffron harvesting; (3) Crop-specific biological traits (e.g., saffron's ground clearance) limited mechanization more than socioeconomic factors alone.ConclusionsWe propose a three-tiered approach: (1) Immediate adoption of affordable ergonomic tools (harnesses, trolleys) in high-risk sectors; (2) Redesign of machinery to address crop-specific constraints; (3) Policy reforms to subsidize small-scale solutions. This balanced strategy could reduce injuries while maintaining Iran's agricultural output.

审查与机械化有关的农业活动的人体工程学问题:以伊朗的一些农场为例。
农业机械化已经改变了全球农业生产力,但许多发展中国家,如伊朗,仍然面临着重大的人体工程学挑战。传统的耕作方法在关键部门(枣椰树、藏红花、乳制品、蔬菜和芝麻)仍然存在,使工人暴露在危险的条件下。农村社区机械化采用不均衡和社会经济障碍使这些问题更加复杂。本研究旨在回顾伊朗劳动密集型农业经营中的人体工程学风险,分析当前机械化解决方案的有效性,并确定在不影响生产力的情况下改善工人健康的实际干预措施。该研究集中在上述五个经济关键部门。方法我们对来自伊朗和国际数据库的27项同行评议研究(2005-2024)进行了综述。纳入标准优先考虑基于现场的人体工程学评估、机械化试验和英语/波斯语的干预研究。综合数据以比较各操作的风险并评估解决方案的有效性。结果:(1)机械化提高了工作速度(耕地为0.96 ha/ h,人工收割为0.002 ha/ h),但也带来了新的风险(挤奶室的静态姿势);(2)简单的干预措施显示出不成比例的益处——改良的攀爬工具降低了椰枣果园的跌倒风险,而护膝减少了藏红花收获时的肌肉骨骼疼痛;(3)作物特有的生物学性状(如藏红花的离地间隙)比单独的社会经济因素更能限制机械化。我们提出了一个三层方法:(1)在高风险部门立即采用负担得起的人体工程学工具(安全带,手推车);(2)重新设计机器以解决特定作物的限制;(3)政策改革补贴小规模解决方案。这种平衡的战略可以减少伤害,同时保持伊朗的农业产量。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Work-A Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation
Work-A Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-
CiteScore
3.00
自引率
30.40%
发文量
739
期刊介绍: WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary, international journal which publishes high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts covering the entire scope of the occupation of work. The journal''s subtitle has been deliberately laid out: The first goal is the prevention of illness, injury, and disability. When this goal is not achievable, the attention focuses on assessment to design client-centered intervention, rehabilitation, treatment, or controls that use scientific evidence to support best practice.
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