Citrus Workers Resist Ergonomic Modifications To Picking Ladder
Author: Miles, J.A.
Date Published: 1996
Journal article that describes the attempts by engineers to redesign and make the ladders used by the citrus pickers of California safer, and the resistance of the workers to the new designs. Several ladder modifications were made to increase the safety and comfort of orchard workers. A sequence of these modifications were presented to crews picking citrus. Human factors related to worker objectives, motivation, and culture, as well as the existing piece rate compensation system, proved to be significant barriers to the acceptance of alternative ladders. An understanding of these issues is essential to engineers attempting to design alternative tools and systems to improve worker health and safety.
Date Published: 1996
Journal article that describes the attempts by engineers to redesign and make the ladders used by the citrus pickers of California safer, and the resistance of the workers to the new designs. Several ladder modifications were made to increase the safety and comfort of orchard workers. A sequence of these modifications were presented to crews picking citrus. Human factors related to worker objectives, motivation, and culture, as well as the existing piece rate compensation system, proved to be significant barriers to the acceptance of alternative ladders. An understanding of these issues is essential to engineers attempting to design alternative tools and systems to improve worker health and safety.
