Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, Eastern Washington
University, Spokane, WA, USA | Department of Sociology and Justice Studies, Eastern
Washington University, Spokane, WA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Wendy Holmes, PhD, OTR/L, Associate
Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Eastern Washington University,
Spokane, WA, USA. Tel.: +1 509 368 6566; Fax: +1 509 368 6561; E-mail:
Wendy.Holmes@mail.ewu.edu
Abstract: Agriculture is one of the nation's more hazardous occupations, and
injury prevention among agricultural workers is a focus of safety and education
programs nationwide. This research project investigated the effectiveness of a
culturally appropriate body mechanics education program for fruit warehouse
workers in Washington State. The purpose of the body mechanics education
program was to promote correct ergonomic behavior among migrant and seasonal
fruit warehouse workers. Participants received instruction in proper body
mechanics by viewing a videotaped Spanish-language theatre program (with
English subtitles) followed by a demonstration and practice of correct lifting
techniques and selected stretches for injury prevention. A written pre- and
post-test to assess body mechanics knowledge and an evaluation of lifting
methods were administered at the time of the training and again two weeks
later. The results indicated culturally appropriate body mechanics education is
an effective intervention for increasing knowledge and promoting correct
lifting techniques. However, further research is indicated to examine the
significance of supervised and individualized, job-specific practice on
affecting more lasting changes in work-related body mechanics and lifting
behaviors.
Keywords: Body mechanics education, injury prevention, agricultural workers
