Ergonomic Benefits of Auxiliary Handles on Shovels and Pitchforks for Women Farmers

This poster evaluates the impact of ergonomic auxiliary handles on reducing musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks among women farmers during shoveling and pitchfork tasks. The study examined physiological workload (heart rate, energy expenditure), posture (RULA/REBA), and joint mechanics (hip, wrist, and elbow angles) under conventional and ergonomic tool conditions. Results show that auxiliary handles improved posture, reduced heart rate and energy expenditure, and lowered hip strain, although some increases in wrist and elbow effort were observed. The findings highlight the importance of human-centered tool design in reducing injury risk and improving safety in manual agricultural work.