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Enhancing Workplace Safety for Disabled Farmers in Thailand: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Ergonomic Interventions in Vermicompost Production

Enhancing Workplace Safety for Disabled Farmers in Thailand: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Ergonomic Interventions in Vermicompost Production

Original Research ArticleOct 17, 2024Vol. 25 No. 1 (2025) 10.55003/cast.2024.259553

Abstract

The aim of this study was to improve the working environment for disabled farmers in vermicompost production using participatory action-oriented training (PAOT). Potential hazards were identified through Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and improvements were implemented based on the analysis. The winnowing step was found to have the highest risk, as farmers had to manually separate vermicompost and earthworms by shaking the mixture through a filter. To address this, a vermicompost winnowing machine was developed specifically for disabled farmers, reducing their working time and the risk of muscle injuries. Ergonomic assessments were conducted using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The assessments compared the risks associated with the manual process to those when using the newly developed winnowing machine. The results indicated a reduction in musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk for all disabled groups. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of considering occupational health and safety for disabled individuals in agriculture. By implementing ergonomic improvements such as redesigned tools and adjusted workstations, the safety and well-being of disabled farmers can be enhanced. This contributes to creating inclusive and productive work environments. In conclusion, through the application of PAOT and ergonomic assessments, this study successfully identified potential hazards and implemented improvements in vermicompost production for disabled farmers. The development of a specialized winnowing machine reduced the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Promoting occupational health and safety measures is crucial for supporting the participation and well-being of disabled individuals in agricultural work.

References

1
Arphorn, S., Brooks, R., & Permsirivanich, P. (2006). Chainat: a case study in occupational health and safety promotion for farmers. Industrial Health, 44(1), 98-100. https://doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.44.98
2
Brown, S. (2015). United Nations declaration on the rights of disabled persons. https://www.britannica.com/topic/United-Nations-Declaration-on-the-Rights-of-Disabled-Persons.
3
Cavatorta, M. P. and DiPardo, M. (2012). Improving the ergonomics of the workplace to enhance productivity and safety. In B. R. Odom & B. Witt (Eds). Workplaces: Safety, social implications and expectations (pp. 53-70). Nova Novinka.
4
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Thailand. (2022). The statistics of a disabled person with an identification card in Thailand. https://www.dep.go.th.
5
Frier, A., Barnett, F., Devine, S., & Barker, R. (2018). Understanding disability and the ‘social determinants of health’: how does disability affect peoples’ social determinants of health? Disability and Rehabilitation, 40(5), 538-547. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2016.1258090

Author Information

Goontalee Bangkadanara

School of Health Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Worrawit Nakpan

School of Health Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Sara Arphorn

Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Chatchai Thanachoksawang

Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

About this Article

Current Journal

Vol. 25 No. 1 (2025)

Type of Manuscript

Original Research Article

Keywords

vermicompost winnow machine
ergonomics
REBA
disabled worker

Published

17 October 2024

DOI

10.55003/cast.2024.259553

Current Journal

Journal Cover
Vol. 25 No. 1 (2025)

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