| Evaluation of a community-based effort to reduce blueberry harvesting injury. | |
| | |
MedLine Citation:
|
PMID: 18247320 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
|
BACKGROUND: Harvesting of blueberries is associated with musculoskeletal injury. This study assessed the effects of several alternative designs of the harvesting rake. METHODS: A community-based work team selected rake design for intervention and pilot tested potential design modifications to the blueberry harvesting rake. An "extended" handle design was selected for comparison with the traditional short-handle rake. Tested rakes were of two widths (70 and 80 tines) and four handle lengths (short handle; extended: 10, 14, or 16 in.). Workers rated each of five configurations after 4 hr of use. Evaluators tracked qualitative and quantitative indicators of the community-based approach throughout. RESULTS: Data from 29 subjects were analyzed using two-factor analysis of variance. There was increased productivity (P = 0.041); greater acceptability (P < 0.0001); less force (P < 0.001); and less pain (P < 0.0001) with the extended handle designs. The 80 tine width was favored over the 70. Process evaluation identified problems that generally could be addressed. Outcome evaluation indicated successful achievement of all stated goals. CONCLUSIONS: The "extended" handle rake may prove effective in reducing musculoskeletal injury associated with blueberry harvesting. A community-based approach to migrant farmworker injuries can be effective, particularly if employers participate. |
| | |
Authors:
|
John May; Lynae Hawkes; Amanda Jones; Patrick Burdick; Barbara Ginley; Blanca Santiago; Michael Rowland |
Publication Detail:
|
Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. |
Journal Detail:
|
Title: American journal of industrial medicine Volume: 51 ISSN: 0271-3586 ISO Abbreviation: Am. J. Ind. Med. Publication Date: 2008 Apr |
Date Detail:
|
Created Date: 2008-03-18 Completed Date: 2008-06-20 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
|
Nlm Unique ID: 8101110 Medline TA: Am J Ind Med Country: United States |
Other Details:
|
Languages: eng Pagination: 307-15 Citation Subset: IM |
Copyright Information:
|
(c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
Affiliation:
|
The Northeast Center for Agricultural Health, Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, New York 13326, USA. |
Export Citation:
|
APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
|
Accidents, Occupational
/
prevention & control*,
statistics & numerical data Agriculture* Blueberry Plant* Human Engineering Humans Musculoskeletal Diseases / prevention & control Occupational Diseases / epidemiology, prevention & control* Occupational Exposure / adverse effects* Pilot Projects Program Evaluation Qualitative Research Residence Characteristics* Transients and Migrants |
| Grant Support | |
ID/Acronym/Agency:
|
R25 OH08144-02/OH/NIOSH CDC HHS |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Previous Document: Field resistance to QoI fungicides in Podosphaera fusca is not supported by typical mutations in the...
Next Document: Job strain predicts survey response in healthcare industry workers.