Participatory ergonomics training for supporting farmers` initiative to improve working conditions in agriculture
2007
Tsuyoshi Kawakami | Kazutaka Kogi
Participatory ergonomics training programmes are spreading in Asia and other regions for supporting farmers` initiative safety, health and working conditions in agriculture. Training applying WIND (Work Improvement Neighbourhood Development) methods presents a typical example. Participatory programmes is discussed. Participatory steps are facilitated by using a set of group work tools, including ergonomics checklists for proposing practical improvements and photo-sheets showing local good examples. These tools assist participating farmers in identifying and implementing low-cost ergonomics solutions. Examples are safe passageways to agricultural fields, better materials handling, workstations with adjusted work height, safe storage of agricultural tools and pesticides, safe use of machines or insertion of frequent short breaks. Trained farmer trainers play a crucial role in extending the training to their neighbouring farmers for apllying many practical ergonomics solutions. The participatory training steps have proven effective when they : (a) address immediate actions learned from good practices, (b) focus on locally feasible low-cost solutions in multiple aspects and (c) rely on networks of volunteer trainers trained in the use of locally adjusted tools. International cooperation is vital in spreading effective participatory ergonomics training for farmers through the wider use of locally adjusted training tools.
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