Work posture assessment among elderly farmers in Pathumthani Province, Thailand

Abstract

Farming is a very large industry in Thailand, and understanding the physically demanding occupation with work tasks that cause Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and work disability, such as forceful exertions during lifting objects, prolonged statics posture, and awkward working postures. the aim of this study is to identify working postures among elderly farmers. Working postures are addressed in the ergonomics research field and important variables to be taken into account for occupational safety. A cross-sectional study was done on farmer workers aged 60 years and above residing in nine sub-districts, Nong Suea district, Pathum Thani province, Thailand. Data collection was conducted in October 2018. Of the 128 participants, 61% were women with average age of 68.50 ± 4.15 years. 84.76% had finished elementary education. The results revealed that, average working of 7.32 ± 2.14 hours per day and 6.26 ± 1.51 days per week. Farmer workers were frequently exposed to injury at work due to an incorrect working posture. The results of this study revealed inappropriate postures when working in farm field among elderly farmers. This study indicated that older farmers involved activities several awkward postures.