Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of
Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA | Low Back Biomechanics and Workplace Laboratory,
Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH,
USA | Rural Development Administration, Suwon, Korea
Note: [] Corresponding author: Susan E. Kotowski, Department of
Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of
Cincinnati, 3202 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0394, USA. Tel.: +1 513 558
0353; E-mail: susan.kotowski@uc.edu
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Farming is known to pose musculoskeletal disorder
risk factors, although how risk factors differ between farmers in various
countries is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify ergonomic risk factors through a qualitative assessment
of common tasks performed by South Korean farmers. METHODS: A convenience sample of Korean farmers was
videotaped performing typical jobs on farms that produced rice, fruits and
vegetables, or raised animals. Ergonomists identified poor ergonomic risk
factors that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders including poor postures of
the shoulders, wrists, neck, low back, and knees. RESULTS: Severe flexion
and lifting of heavy loads was common across farms. While many of the
concerning risk factors identified were similar to those in other parts of the
world, one was unique in this population – deep knee flexion while weeding,
harvesting, and sorting. CONCLUSIONS: Given the Korean farm population is
aging at an alarming rate and remains dominated by small farms, many of these
potential risk factors may have a continued or increased role in the
development of musculoskeletal disorders. While the current study provided the
first observational assessment of ergonomic demands on Korean farms, more
quantitative and rigorous investigations are needed to establish actual risk factors.
