Ergonomics in apiculture: A case study based on inspecting movable frame hives for healthy bee activities

Abstract

The agricultural sector suffers from high risk of injury and damage to human health. There is considerable research not only identifying these risks but also finding ways to mitigate them. Beekeeping or apiculture, recognised as part of this sector, has many risk factors such as heavy lifting, high degree of manual materials handling, twisting, and awkward positioning common to all agriculture areas. It also has some unique risks such as those resulting from bee stings and smokers. However, there is much less attention focused on the health and safety of apiculture to the human beekeepers, and much more attention focused on bee health and safety. An ergonomics case study on beekeeping inspection tasks involving three independent, local beekeepers showed that many tasks involve awkward positions of the body, arms and hands, excessive lifting well beyond recommended weight limits, eye strain, and chemical and sting exposure. In addition, beekeepers are more interested in bee and hive health rather than reducing human-centred risk factors such as those due to excessive lifting. Standard ergonomics interventions such as a magnifier inspection and lift assist systems as well as interventions unique to beekeeping such as a smokeless method of calming bees are recommended. The beekeeping industry seems to have been forgotten in the modernisation of technology and agricultural practices. This paper offers some initial insights into possible points for research, development and improvements.

Participatory Ergonomic Interventions for Improving Agricultural Work Environment: A Case Study in a Farming Organization of Korea

“…Pranav and Patel [16] developed an ergonomic tool for manual harvesting of oranges in hilly regions. Other ergonomic-intervention-related studies include ergo bucket carriers and easy lift [17]; an apple picking bucket [18]; handglove materials for farming activities [19]; magnifier inspection, a lift assist system, and a smokeless method for calming bees in apiculture [20]; corrective insoles [21]; ergonomic baskets for tealeaf plucking [22]; and ergonomic interventions for weeding, weighing beef calves, and growing vegetables [23][24][25]. Fathallah [2] reviewed the extent of MSDs in agriculture and employed a historic perspective on how ergonomic interventions have been used to reduce the health effects of labor-intensive agriculture.…”

“…Most farmers focus on producing high-quality agricultural produce and reducing costs rather than controlling WMSD risk factors that can help improve their own health [20]. In Korea, WMSD cases are expected to increase significantly with the ageing of the farming population.…”

Characterization of Beekeepers and Their Activities in Seven European Countries

“…Hence, managed honeybee colonies impact ecology and the economy to a great extent [1]. Beekeeping activities are ancient, dating back to 4500 BC, although nowadays, native beekeeping is complemented with professional, high knowledge input regarding colony management and the production of bee products [2,3].…”

Musculoskeletal Disorders in Agriculture: A Review from Web of Science Core Collection

“…As indicated, the studies included in this research were published between 1995 and 2020. The largest number of studies (29) was published in 2018. This is followed by 2012, with a total of 22 studies.…”

“…However, this is not only the case in rice cultivation, as high-stress indexes have also been found in greenhouse workers (cherry tomato) who were assessed physiologically and biomechanically [28]. The same is true for beekeepers, where mechanization and technology have been practically ignored [29].…”