Comparing the effects of changing the type of pruning equipment for longan trees to reducing hands risk among farm workers in Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

This study examined the risk of hand injuries on a farm in Pong Nam Ron District of Chanthaburi Province both before and after a change in the instruments used. With 16 participants, the study used a quasi-experimental approach. By comparing the new equipment (small-handled pruning shears) with the original equipment (a sickle), data was gathered. A handgrip strength assessment and a Strain Index (SI) evaluation scale were among the tools that were used to collect data.

According to the findings, most of the samples had an average age of 37.43 years, a weight of 60.75 kg, and an average length of employment of 5.5 years. The average score for the right hand was 71.25 points before the equipment change, whereas the average score for the left hand was 47.06 points, according to the Strain Index (SI) evaluation. The Strain Index scores for the right and left hands decreased statistically significantly after the equipment was switched, with the average scores for the former being 46.13 and 27.56 points, respectively. The average grip strength for both hands was 33.50 kg for the right hand and 34.00 kg for the left before the equipment was modified. The average strength of the right-hand grip increased by 15.13 kg and the left-hand grip increased by 3.94 kg after the equipment was modified, indicating a statistically significant difference. As a result, both hand grip strength levels improved. The findings of the study suggest that enhancing pruning tools can lower the possibility of hand injuries among tree-pruning personnel.