Lifting Tool for Carrying Plant Containers
Weeding Stand for Plant Nurseries
Smaller Picking Tub
A Specialized Harvest Cart for Greens
Participatory Ergonomics Team
New Rakes for Harvesting Berries
Power Cutter for Woody Plants
Metered Liquid Applicator
A Rolling Dibble Marker
Scraper Handle
Simple Solutions Are Cost-Effective!
Mesh Bags: Easy Batch Processing
Standard Containers
Narrow Pallet System
Packing Shed Layout

Problem:	One Solution:
Packing produce in an unsystematic manner wastes time and effort.	Design a well-organized, clear, step-by-step task and product flow.
No clear path for product and workers to follow.	Straight line flow for product and worker.
Wash tubs do not drain; they must be carried and tipped to empty them away from work area.	Drain empties washtub and drainpipe leads dirty wash water away from work area.
Table height inappropriate for task or individual worker.	Table heights adjusted to fit task and individual.
Used window screens are difficult to sanitize.	Screen tables made from galvanized hardware cloth are easy to sanitize.
No shade for workers or produce.	Shade has been provided for the workers and produce.
Clutter impedes efficient work.	Supplies are kept where they are needed.

Packing Shed Layout

Why Analyze My Packing Shed Layout?

You may be able to save time and effort by slightly changing your current routine or habits.

How Can I Analyze My Packing Area?

On paper, diagram the flow of your product from field to packing box to cooler or truck, and note work stations. Have an outsider describe the flow so you don't overlook any details you might take for granted. You can also videotape the packing process.

Will Rearranging My Packing Area Save Me Money?

Any time saved during produce packing will save money. Indirect savings will occur from creating a more comfortable work area that will be healthier and less hazardous for you. If your produce moves more quickly through the packing process it will maintain higher quality and be fresher when packed.

What Are Some Considerations for Efficient Packing Area Layout?

• Consider the general "flow" of the produce you will be handling. Try to create a step-by-step product line that doesn't waste effort. For example, do all of your crops need to be washed? Do some need to be spray-washed and others dunked? Do you need both water and electricity at some work stations but not others? Could you run two product lines that intersect at a shared work station that has water and electricity? Could you make the product lines intersect at a shared work station where boxes are packed, for example? Or circular product lines that intersect at the shared work station? Could you use some sections of roller table?
• Is your space large enough for your packing needs?
• Is there plenty of light?
• Is the floor level and smooth to allow you to use wheeled carts or hand trucks? Concrete is most effective, followed by asphalt and packed road base or gravel. Dirt or wood chips hold water and are unsanitary.
• Do you have enough water to frequently change wash water? Do wash tubs drain away from the work area? Could you use a splash guard or collecting trough under a screen table? Do you have a hand washing station?
• Is there enough shade for both produce and workers? Would it help to suspend a tarp, mosquito net, or fan?
• Are supplies such as bags or rubber bands kept where they are needed? Are other items kept out of the way (perhaps overhead)? Is the scale handy and easy to use?
• Are your work station heights adjusted to the individual workers? Efficient work height is half-way between wrist and elbow, measured when the arm is held down at the worker's side. Could some workers use a stepstool? Consider setting up work stations so that you move produce toward your leading hand, for example from left to right for right-handed people. You will have more control and be more accurate.
• Do electrical cords and outlets have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters? They are cheap and easy to install.

Contact Information

This material was developed by the Healthy Farmers, Healthy Profits Project, whose goal is to find and share work efficiency tips that maintain farmers' health and safety and also increase profits. For more information, visit our web site at http://bse.wisc.edu/hfhp/ or call 608-265-9451.

Healthy Farmers, Healthy Profits Project, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 460 Henry Hall, Madison, WI 53706.

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