Ergonomic Studies on Occupational Health of Women Workers Involved in Agricultural Industries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study undertakes a systematic review focusing on occupational health hazards and related issues experienced by women in the agriculture sector. Women engage in diverse and demanding farm operations, involving substantial energy expenditure, prolonged hours, and awkward postures, contributing to both drudgery and occupational health risks. Understanding the root causes of these conditions and establishing effective measurement methods is crucial. Moreover, identifying strategies to mitigate these hazards is imperative. A comprehensive literature review on women in agriculture illuminates various health concerns, their origins, analytical approaches, and potential enhancements to working conditions. To conduct a systematic review, the study adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method, incorporating 79 relevant articles from Scopus and PubMed, following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, published between 1989 and 2022. The findings revealed a concerning trend wherein female workers increasingly assume precarious, underpaid, and labour-intensive roles within the agricultural sector. Occupational health risks are heightened due to factors such as heat exposure, pesticide use, injuries, incontinence, awkward postures, and activities prone to drudgery. Ergonomically designed technology is pivotal in alleviating women’s occupational challenges, although this area remains relatively underexplored. To address these occupational hazards and health concerns effectively, there is a need for governmental intervention. Establishing a dedicated task force or committee is recommended. Furthermore, a multi-stakeholder network comprising government bodies, non-profit organizations, and civil society groups is proposed to enhance the well-being of women working in agriculture collaboratively. This study is the first of its kind that effectively highlights the multidimensional health issues women workers face, shedding light on their working conditions in the agriculture industry.