A strap-on stool for field work |
A series of tip sheets on labor efficiency for
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Stoop labor is unavoidable
on berry and vegetable farms, since at times the plants and soil need
to be tended by hand. If you spend too much time stooping, kneeling or
squatting, you may experience fatigue, muscle soreness or injuries. One
alternative is to use an adjustable, strap-on stool that lets you sit
while you work.
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Postural analysis was compiled in Finland by the Work Efficiency Institute using the Ovaco Work Analysis System (OWAS). Lets you change positions. Using a strap-on stool lets you move from sitting to standing, and then back to sitting, and then forward-leaning sitting, and then to kneeling. If you change your position often, you can alleviate muscle stress and prevent pain. The strap-on stool lets you give your knees or back a rest. Customers at Pick-Your- Own (PYO) farms might enjoy using strap-on stools. They might find the harvest experience more fun and comfortable with a stool, and possibly pick for a longer time in the process. |
Both
hands free. Some growers sit on an upturned five-gallon plastic
bucket or use a padded kneeling stool to give their backs and knees a
break. The disadvantage of these types of seats is that every time you
move to a new place in the bed or row, you need to pick up your seat and
reposition it. Since the strap-on stool fits snugly to your body and moves
with you, you have both hands free to harvest, weed, or carry your harvest
container. How can I get a strap-on
stool? |
Tips
for choosing and using a strap-on stool |
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, call (608) 252-1054 or visit our website at http://bse.wisc.
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Material is not copyrighted. Feel free to
reproduce; please mention source: University of Wisconsin Healthy Farmers,
Healthy Profits Project, October 2001; Second Edition.
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