Ergonomics and psychosocial problems among sugarcane harvesting laborers: a case study in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

Ergonomic problems are a major occupational hazard in agricultural work, often resulting from repetitive tasks and the use of unsuitable equipment or tools. Sugarcane harvesting laborers (SHL) play a crucial role in Thailand’s sugar industry, yet remain highly exposed to physical and psychosocial risks due to the manual nature of their work. This study aimed to investigate ergonomic and psychosocial problems among SHL in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. A total of 102 participants were randomly selected and assessed using structured interviews, ergonomic observation with the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and psychosocial evaluation with the Thai version of the Job Content Questionnaire (Thai-JCQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Most participants were female and middle-aged, working long hours daily and cutting approximately 3,000 stalks per day during the harvesting season. MSDs were most frequently reported in the lower back, shoulders, and hands/wrists over the past 7 days, and in the hip/thigh, shoulder, hand/wrist, and lower back over the past 3 months. REBA scores indicated very high ergonomic risk across all harvesting tasks, while psychosocial assessment revealed high job demands, limited job control, and considerable workplace hazards, despite high levels of social support. In conclusion, sugarcane harvesting laborers face substantial ergonomic and psychosocial risks that threaten their health and well-being. These findings provide evidence for targeted ergonomic interventions, organizational changes to improve job control, and policy measures to enhance occupational health and safety standards in the sugarcane industry.