Health and Safety in Agriculture: Ergonomic Shoveling and Pitchforking for Women Farmers

This oral presentation addresses musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks associated with shoveling and pitchforking tasks among women farmers. The study compares conventional and ergonomic tools, focusing on physiological workload, posture, and joint strain. Using ergonomic assessment methods and motion analysis, findings show that ergonomic tools improve posture, reduce heart rate and energy expenditure, and lower hip strain, although some increases in wrist and elbow effort were observed. The presentation highlights key safety implications and provides recommendations for ergonomic tool design and improved work practices to reduce injury risk in agriculture.