Abstract
Background: Agriculture involves several harmful diseases. Among the non-fatal ones, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most prevalent, as they have reached epidemic proportions. The main aim of this investigation is to systematically review the major risk factors regarding MSDs as well as evaluate the existing ergonomic interventions. Methods: The search engines of Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were used to identify relevant articles during the last decade. The imposed exclusive criteria assured the accuracy and current progress in this field. Results: It was concluded that MSDs affect both developed and developing countries, thus justifying the existing global concern. Overall, the most commonly studied task was harvesting, followed by load carrying, pruning, planting, and other ordinary manual operations. Repetitive movements in awkward postures, such as stooping and kneeling; individual characteristics; as well as improper tool design were observed to contribute to the pathogenesis of MSDs. Furthermore, low back disorders were reported as the main disorder. Conclusions: The present ergonomic interventions seem to attenuate the MSDs to a great extent. However, international reprioritization of the safety and health measures is required in agriculture along with increase of the awareness of the risk factors related to MSDs.
Highlights
Agriculture is considered to be the primary source of the supply of food worldwide as well as raw materials for industry and medicine
Among the non-fatal occupational illnesses appearing in farm workers, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) seem to be the most widespread [6,7]
Repetitive lifting and moving of heavy loads, prolonged trunk flexion, intensive hand work, and working in awkward postures of wrist and trunk are tasks associated with the main risk factors regarding the reported MSDs [6,8,9]
Summary
Agriculture is considered to be the primary source of the supply of food worldwide as well as raw materials for industry and medicine. As an occupational environment, regardless of these major technological advances, agriculture is regarded as one of the most demanding and hazardous sectors. Repetitive lifting and moving of heavy loads, prolonged trunk flexion ( called stooping), intensive hand work, and working in awkward postures of wrist and trunk are tasks associated with the main risk factors regarding the reported MSDs [6,8,9]. Among the non-fatal ones, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most prevalent, as they have reached epidemic proportions. The main aim of this investigation is to systematically review the major risk factors regarding MSDs as well as evaluate the existing ergonomic interventions.
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