Evaluation of an ergonomics intervention among Nicaraguan coffee harvesting workers

Abstract

This study evaluated an ergonomics intervention among Nicaraguan coffee harvesting workers, using electromyography and questionnaire survey techniques. Nicaraguan researchers were involved in the study so that they could gain hands-on experience with ergonomics research and applications, and eventually be the specialists conducting ergonomics interventions in Nicaraguan workplaces. Coffee harvesting activities were studied individually and physical hazards were identified accordingly. The results showed decreased muscle loading on the erector spinae muscle and improved comfort reporting in the back region compared to the commonly used baskets. This fulfils the design objective of a newly developed bag that was used in the intervention to reduce physical workload on the coffee harvesting workers. Workers' opinion survey results showed some issues related to the size of the new bag and the lumbar–shoulder belt mechanism. This information can be used in the modification of the bag in the next design. Key players in the process have been identified.

Practitioner summary: Stimulating ergonomics activities in developing countries is suggested by many experts. This study provided an example from coffee workers in Nicaragua. Commonly used job evaluation procedures and physical load quantification methods were used. Ergonomics researchers and practitioners in developing countries may do similar projects on their own in the future.

Keywords:

• developing countries
• electromyography
• discomfort survey
• low back pain
• work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Rogelio José Caballero Martínez., Cipriano Mercedes Sandoval Sánchez and Marcos Aurelio Vanegas Peña, from CISTA-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua-Leon, for their participation in this study. Steven Russell helped with the conduction of this field data collection, and took most of the pictures for the study. Fabiola Gonzalez helped with the Spanish translation and survey data entry. Joyce Fan helped with survey data analysis. This project could not have been possible without the encouragement, support and generous contributions of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA), Japan Ergonomics Association, 4C Association, Pueblos en Accion Comunitaria (PAC) in Nicaragua, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, and Universite Nacional-Autonomous, Leon.