Saf Health Work.  2022 Dec;13(4):440-447. 10.1016/j.shaw.2022.07.003.

Ergonomic Evaluation of Young Agricultural Operators Using Handle Equipment Through Electromyography and Vibrations Analysis Between the Fingers

• Roggio F
• Vitale E
• Filetti V
• Rapisarda V
• Musumeci G
• Romano E

• KMID: 2537148
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2022.07.003

Abstract

Background
Agricultural handle equipment is present on all production areas' farms. They are handy and portable; however, excessive use can lead to acute traumas or accidental injuries. Repetitive movements, awkward postures, and hand-arm vibrations predispose them to pain and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to observe the interaction of handle equipment in terms of electromyographic activity and analyze the postural work-related alterations.
Materials and methods
Twenty male agricultural operators, mean age 24 ± 1.54 years, underwent the electromyographic analysis testing their muscular activities with a brushcutter, electric saw, and hedge trimmer in four different test conditions.
Results
The brushcutter proved to be the agricultural handle equipment with the higher mean frequency (3.37 ± 0.38 Hz) and root mean square (5.25 ± 1.24 ms⁻²). Furthermore, the digital postural analysis showed a general asymmetry of the main arm and the respective side of the trunk. The head resulted right inclined in the anterior frontal plane by 5.7° ± 1.2°; the right scapula lower than the left in the posterior frontal plane (8.5° ± 1.8°), and a working trunk inclination of 34.15° ± 5.7°.
Conclusions
Vibrations of handle equipment and awkward working postures represent a risk for agricultural operators. Preventive measures are required to avoid young operators from experiencing musculoskeletal disorders all lifelong.

Keyword

agricultural workers; musculoskeletal disorders; occupational injuries; posture; prevention