A review of recent studies on the risk assessment from repetitive movements in agriculture

Some studies carried out from the AA. in the last years and concerning Work relatedMusculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) in agriculture come are presented.The studies involve viticulture, tomato growing, nurseries in greenhouses, She –ass milking. In particular, some of them are related to the frequency concerningmanual operations, the strength concerning the various part of the hand measured byinstrumented scissors specifically assembled.Results show that for the assessment of the risk should be considered throughout theannual cycle. Instrumented scissors allow to recognize the strength exerted on different partsof the hand. The strength intensity reported by the instrument was correlated to the strengthevaluation coming from a group of people and when necessary it can be converted in the BorgCR10 scale normally used for these kind of researches. Physicians could now utilize themeasured strength intensity exerted in different parts of the hand with the aim to foresee thedevelopment of disabilities involving workers’ arm and hand. Results obtained from surveyson vine cutting frequency suggest that the daily curve that represents the cuts per min has to beidentify correctly, otherwise the risk could be wrongly evaluated. Obtained results highlighthow is important a multi-disciplinary approach, putting together the competences coming fromagricultural mechanization (that includes work organization), ergonomics and occupationalmedicine.