Ergonomic evaluation of conventional saffron harvesting versus using a trolley

Agriculture is an occupation in which the workers are prone to health problems, particularly musculoskeletal disorders. This job is one of the most strenous and most dangerous work activities with approximately 40% of the engaged population living in the developing countries. Iran is the world's largest producer of saffron (about 94% of the world production). Labour has the highest impact on the production of this crop. In this research, a kind of trolley is introduced in order to reduce the mechanical damages on the body of labors during saffron harvesting, and then the results are compared with traditional harvesting methods. In the experiments, the force and strength percent capability of 20 workers as saffron harvesters is evaluated using the 3DSSPP software. Two methods of saffron harvesting namely the traditional method with two common postures (half sitting and bowing) and harvesting while sitting on the trolley are considered. The different postures for the traditional harvesting methods and harvesting with the trolley were simulated and imported to the software. It was found that the most harm on the farmers occurs in their knees with half sitting. Evaluation of harvesting saffron with trolley showed that it results in the exertion of the least damage to farmers. However, harvesting with trolley exserts the most pressure on the back. However, the pressure is very little compared to half sitting and bowing postures. Hence this simple device is recommended for harvesting saffron.