Reducing musculoskeletal strain in agriculture: An evaluation of an improved hoe design

Manual weeding remains a physically demanding agricultural task, often contributing to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among farm workers due to awkward postures and poorly designed traditional tools. This study aimed to evaluate the ergonomic performance of an improved hoe design tailored specifically for male farm workers. A within-subject experimental design was adopted, involving 20 male participants with over five years of field experience. Comparative assessments were made between the traditional and improved hoe based on spinal deviation, grip fatigue, physiological cost, musculoskeletal discomfort, perceived exertion, and weeding efficiency. The improved hoe, developed using anthropometric and biomechanical principles, featured modifications including a longer handle (125 cm), optimized blade angle (75°), and comfortable grip dimensions. Results indicated a notable reduction in head and trunk flexion angles, grip fatigue, physiological cost, and lower back pain. Furthermore, the improved hoe was associated with enhanced weeding efficiency (80%) and greater user comfort. Designing an ergonomically optimized tool posed challenges such as accommodating varied body dimensions, balancing tool weight with functional strength, and ensuring adaptability to different soil conditions. Despite these constraints, the study contributes significantly by providing a validated ergonomic framework for agricultural tool design that minimizes biomechanical strain and enhances worker safety, comfort, and productivity. These findings underscore the importance of ergonomic tool redesign in reducing biomechanical stress and improving occupational health and productivity in agriculture.