Typical harvesting baskets (TB) are used in various agricultural workplaces; however, no study to date has reported their effect on the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of a novel basket with attached rotational handles (RHB) to help alleviate the work-related physical burden of farmers. We analyzed the surface electromyograms (EMGs) of seven muscles, evaluated the subjective discomfort levels and locally perceived discomfort (LPD) scores to investigate the discomfort in the whole body and seven hand muscles, respectively. The EMGs showed that muscle activity decreased in five muscles (flexor carpi ulnaris, extensor carpi radialis, lateral triceps, middle deltoid, and upper trapezius) and increased in two (biceps brachii and erector spinae) when the RHB was used (p < 0.05). The subjective discomfort score for the RHB decreased compared to that for TB (p < 0.001). The LPD scores also decreased, and the RHB and TB scores ranged from 1.25–1.40 and 3.1–3.25, respectively. The use of the RHB may prevent wrist bending, and reduce the activity of certain muscles while increasing the activity of other muscles. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct training and to evaluate the working posture while considering the affected muscles.

Although agricultural machines are the leading cause of agricultural injury, there are few comparative studies on the injury risks associated with different types of agricultural machines. Therefore, we compared the injury rates and risks of various agricultural machine types in South Korea using data from comprehensive agricultural machine insurance, which is partially paid for by the government. Specifically, we conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using 2014–2019 data on subscriptions and 2014–2020 data on compensation for personal bodily injury from comprehensive agricultural machine-related insurance coverage. We calculated the agricultural machine-related injury rate for each machine type and analyzed the factors affecting the injury using logistic regression. Between 2014 and 2020, 2061 recorded agricultural machine-related injuries occurred for 338,418 comprehensive agricultural machinery insurance subscriptions. The annual average number of injuries per 1000 agricultural machines was 6.1, showing an annual increase. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of injury increased with age, which was 2.3 times higher for tillers and power carts than for tractors. There is thus a need for legal safety measures, particularly related to high-risk agricultural machines (e.g., power tillers) and individuals (e.g., older drivers), as well as specific driving licenses and regular inspections of agricultural machinery.

Farmers working inside greenhouses during summer are at risk of heat-related illness. In this study, we compared the dry-bulb temperatures (DTs) and the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index inside and outside greenhouses. We then determined the criteria for appropriate working and resting times inside greenhouses. The measurements were performed during the hottest period in 2020 and 2021 for two greenhouses, representative of those commonly found in rural areas. A direct-reading WBGT index meter was used for these measurements, and Automated Synoptic Observing System (ASOS) data were used to obtain regional DT data. DTs inside the greenhouses were significantly higher than the ASOS DTs (p < 0.001). In addition, the August WBGT index inside was significantly higher than that outside the greenhouses (p < 0.001). We found that the temperature during the period between 08:00 and 19:00 exceeded the international threshold of 28 °C for heat-acclimatized workers performing moderate-intensity work, above which heat stress becomes a concern. Our results revealed that the thermal index inside can be significantly higher than that found outside greenhouses. Therefore, when work is required inside greenhouses during the summer, stricter standards and safety measures should be considered.

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