Identifying risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders on Korean farms

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.