An Attempt to Reduce Viniculturists' Workload-From the Viewpoint of Ergonomics

Abstract

The work of viniculturists consists of a number of overhead work for hours in a standing position. In order to improve working postures and reduce musculoskeletal complaints of viniculturists, a tricycle and an electric-driven tricycle for vinicultural use were invented. Investigation was performed during the thinning out of grapes by comparing three different working methods, i. e., traditional standing overhead work, work using a tricycle, and work using an electric-driven tricycle. The three different working methods were employed for four days, each by three viniculturists.
The subjects were questioned whether they had musculoskeletal complaints and general fatigue sensations four times a day during the investigation. For each different working method, the working hours and the amount of work of each subject were measured. The subjects were also asked to evaluate each working method by themselves. The work aided by the electric-driven tricycle was effective in decreasing the complaints of pain in the lower back (lumbago) and dullness of the legs. The work aided by electric-driven tricycle also showed higher efficiency than either traditional standing work or the work aided by tricycle. The electric-driven trycycle also received higher evaluation because of its easy drivability. These results lead to the conclusion that by adding some more improvements on the electric-driven tricycle, it could be introduced to viniculturists for practical use.