A review of the ergonomic problems of agricultural activities in connection with mechanization: Some Iranian farm works as instances

Abstract

Background

Agricultural mechanization has transformed global farming productivity, yet many developing nations like Iran continue to face significant ergonomic challenges. Traditional farming methods persist in key sectors (date palm, saffron, dairy, vegetables, and sesame), exposing workers to hazardous conditions. These issues are compounded by uneven mechanization adoption and socioeconomic barriers in rural communities.

Objective

This study aims to review ergonomic risks in Iran's labor-intensive agricultural operations, analyze the effectiveness of current mechanization solutions, and identify practical interventions to improve worker health without compromising productivity. The study focuses on five mentioned economically critical sectors.

Methods

We conducted a review of 27 peer-reviewed studies (2005–2024) from Iranian and international databases. Inclusion criteria prioritized field-based ergonomic assessments, mechanization trials, and intervention studies in English/Persian. Data were synthesized to compare risks across operations and evaluate solution efficacy.

Results

Three key patterns emerged: (1) Mechanization improved work speed (e.g., 0.96 ha/labor-hour for plowing vs. 0.002 ha/labor-hour manual harvesting) but often introduced new risks (e.g., static postures in milking parlors); (2) Simple interventions showed disproportionate benefits - modified climbing tools reduced fall risks in date orchards, while kneepads decreased musculoskeletal pain in saffron harvesting; (3) Crop-specific biological traits (e.g., saffron's ground clearance) limited mechanization more than socioeconomic factors alone.

Conclusions

We propose a three-tiered approach: (1) Immediate adoption of affordable ergonomic tools (harnesses, trolleys) in high-risk sectors; (2) Redesign of machinery to address crop-specific constraints; (3) Policy reforms to subsidize small-scale solutions. This balanced strategy could reduce injuries while maintaining Iran's agricultural output.