Practical solutions

Ergonomic checkpoints in agriculture (second edition) now also available in Chinese

Approximately 100 of the illustrations accompanying the checkpoints were improved and revised in this second edition of the manual. The first edition was published in 2012 and it was well received by the ergonomic and occupational safety and health (OSH) practitioners and professional bodies around the world. Certain users recommended improving the illustrations so that they reflect the best available ergonomic techniques and practice globally, rather than in a few project countries. ILO specialists and external experts reviewed and commented on the illustrations.

News | 13 August 2015
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The first edition of the Ergonomic checkpoints in agriculture was well received around the world and has been used as a training tool by the ergonomic practitioners and professional organizations. However, certain ergonomic professionals and OSH practitioners commented to the ILO that the book could be improved by the addition of new illustrations based on the best available ergonomic techniques and best ergonomically designed tools.

They proposed that these new examples be forward-looking and global in nature rather than summarizing practices and tools used in a few developing countries. It was hoped that the good principles presented in the illustrations could help to facilitate the development of ergonomically sound tools and equipment for the agricultural work in both developed and developing countries.

Workstations and tools: Provide tool storage cabinets near the work area, within easy reach
The feedback from the ergonomic professionals and OSH practitioners, combined with the rapid depletion of print stock of the first edition, prompted the decision to produce a second edition with major improvements to the illustrations which accompany the 100 checkpoints.

It is hoped that this second edition of Ergonomic checkpoints in agriculture will continue to inspire managers, supervisors, workers, trainers and educators, as well as ergonomics and OSH practitioners, and will help them share practical solutions and experiences by disseminating ergonomically sound workplace improvements.

The manual was prepared by the ILO in collaboration with the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) and it was edited by Shengli Niu and Kazutaka Kogi. It presents practical and easy-to-implement solutions for improving safety, health and working conditions in agriculture. The ILO and IEA hope that this manual will serve as a practical tool for improving safety and health in agricultural work and in rural settings in many parts of the world.