Epidemiological Studies and Design of Agricultural Implements

  • Mohan, D.;
  • Patel, R.
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AUTHOR ABSTRACT

This study reports the results of the use of epidemiological data in determining priorities for designing safer agricultural equipment. A household survey was undertaken to study the morbidity patterns in a group of nine villages outside Delhi comprising a population of 25,000 persons (3500 families). Every family was visited once every two weeks to determine cases of morbidity. The injury data were analyzed in depth for all agricultural injury cases. The survey was continued for one year. Based on this data the fodder cutting machine and grain threshing machine were selected for improvements in the design for ensuring safer working conditions.

Two designs of the fodder cutting machine have been evolved: one for retrofitting the existing units and the second is an attempt at a completely new design. The designs are based on the understanding that passive measures are likely to be more successful in rural areas. It is expected that users will not actively undertake specific actions to increase safety every time they use the machine. Ergonomic principles have been used to make the work easier so that uncomfortable postures are not u ed.

The paper also details our experience in evolving the acceptability of new designs among the farmers. In addition, we also relate our experiences in trying to introduce improvements in designs among the local manufacturers.

JOURNAL AND NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE ID#

JOURNAL: J Occup Accid. 1990; 12: 151.

Note: Journal of Occupational Accidents.

NLOM ID#: No ID #.

This document was extracted from the CDC-NIOSH Epidemiology of Farm Related Injuries: Bibliography With Abstracts, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

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