Musculoskeletal Problems
in the Farmworker
Population
Karen Funkenbusch
20th
Annual Midwest Stream Farmworker Health Forum:
20 Years of Service and Partnerships
November 18, 2010
Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol, Austin, Texas
Musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs) are the most
common of all occupational
non-fatal injuries and
illnesses for farmworkers,
especially those whose
work is labor-intensive.
MSDs
Are injuries to soft body
tissue caused by risk
factors, such as
sustained and repeated
exertions or awkward
postures and tool or
material handling.
MSDs
Disorders of the muscles,
nerves, tendons, ligaments,
joints, cartilage and spinal
disks.
Generally develop gradually
over a period of time, and
do not typically result from
a single instantaneous
event.
Do not include injuries
caused by slip, trips, falls,
or other similar accidents.
A third of the injuries that cause
farmworkers to miss work are sprains
and strains, and a quarter are back
injuries.
MSDs are caused by
Bending Repetitive Exposure
Climbing Forceful Gripping
Crawling Kneeling
Reaching
Squatting
Vibrating Equipment
Twisting
Lifting
MSD Symptoms
The body feels pain and knows there is a problem.
Symptoms differ from mild to severe pain. Usually
symptoms become more severe as exposure
continues. Symptoms include:
Numbness
Burning
Pain
Tingling
Aching
Stiffness
MSD Signs
Signs of MSDs include:
Decreased range of motion
Decreased grip strength
Loss of function
Deformity
Swelling
Cramping
Redness/loss of color
Activity Risk Factors
The three main activity risk
factors in farm work
include:
Lifting and carrying
heavy loads over 50lbs
Bending (stooping) in a
repeated full body
position
Highly repetitive hand
work (clipping, cutting)
Posture
Prolonged standing – problem:
Varicose veins, back stress,
pooling of blood in legs
Sitting without back support –
problem: Low back stress
Seat too high – problem:
Decreased circulation, (legs
dangling over end) bruises
Posture
Shoulders rounded – problem:
Upper/lower back stress
Leaning forward – problem:
Lower back stress
Arms extended or over-
reaching – problem: Stress to
arm muscles, upper back
stress
Posture
Elbows "winged" – problem:
Joint stress at shoulder, poor
use of bicep muscles
Stepping backwards –
problem: Loss of balance,
displaced gravity, muscle
stress
Locking knees – problem:
Stress to back of knee, poor
blood circulation
Bent Wrist – problem:
excessive force when gripping
Gripping
Factors that increase
gripping hazards
Bent wrist
Surface area
Surface friction
Vibration
Type of grip
Lifting
Factors that increase
lifting hazards
Weight
Size
Repetition
Twisting
Bending
Reaching
Method
Repetition
Frequent and prolonged
repetition of the same
movements cause muscle
fatigue and stress
Factors that increase
repetition hazards
Number of times
per minute
Force required
Posture
MSDs hurt:
the farmworkers’ bodies,
the farmworkers’ earning,
and
the farmworkers’ family
What is Ergonomics?
The science of fitting jobs
to people.
Ergonomics uses
knowledge of physical
abilities, limitations &
human characteristics
that apply to job design.
What is Ergonomics?
Considers the tasks,
equipment and environment
to provide efficient use of
worker capabilities while
ensuring that job demands
do not exceed those
capabilities.
Simple Solutions
Cost-effective ergonomic
strategies can be used
to maximize the
farmworkers productivity
without increasing
injuries to the
farmworkers.
Simple Solutions
LIFTING
Farmworkers should lift properly:
Lifting by keeping the back straight,
tighten the grip with both hands, and
straighten the legs, letting the leg
muscles do the lifting.
While lifting the load, spread feet
comfortably apart with one foot slightly
ahead of the other for better balance.
Encourage farmworkers not to lift above
shoulder level.
Farmworkers should be encouraged to
ask for assistance while lifting heavy
loads.
Simple Solutions
CLIMBING:
Reduce the number of
times climbing up and
the down ladder.
Use labor saving tips.
Avoid jumping on and off
equipment.
Simple Solutions
KNEELING/SQUATTING:
Sit on a low stool or chair
Stand up and stretch every 20 minutes
Use labor saving equipment:
Conveyor belts
Why Ergonomics
Improve Worker Efficiency
Increase Production
Capability
Reduce Workplace Injuries
Lower Workers’ Comp Costs
Reduce Absenteeism and
Improve FARMWORER’S
PROFIT!
Questions