Evaluating Agricultural Workplace Assistive Technology for Secondary Injury Hazards

(An Assessment Tool for Professionals to Assist Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Workers with Disabilities)

Pre-conference workshop, National AgrAbility Training2010, October 11, 2010

Charleston, West VirginiaPresented by

William E. Field & Samuel N. Mathew

This resource is developed as a part of the NIFA/USDA National AgrAbility ProjectGrant no. CSREES/USDA-2008-41590-04796

Workshop Objectives

At the end of session, the attendee will be able to:

1. Explain the reasons for higher workplace injuries in agriculture compared to other industries.

2. Explain the primary causes of agricultural workplace injuries.

3. Explain what is meant by secondary injuries4. Explain how disabilities increase the risk of injury,

especially in agricultural workplace

Workshop Objectives

5. Explain why safety assessment of AT for farmers with disabilities will result in successful vocational rehabilitation funding.

6. Identify critical hazards on AT used in agricultural workplaces

7. Conduct a basic safety assessment of AT used in agricultural workplace

Definition of Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology (AT) means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of an individual with a disability - ‘The Tech Act” (Technology-Related Assistance for individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988)

Examples of Assistive Technology in Agricultural Workplace

Person liftsAdded stepsHand controlsModified toolsRamps

Definition of Secondary Injury

Secondary injury can be defined as injury caused by limitations associated with disabling conditions and/or resulting from the use of modified practices or AT to compensate for disabling conditions.

Examples of Secondary Injury

BurnsFracturesPressure soresAmputationLoss of hearing

BackgroundFarming is one of the most hazardous occupations among American industries– Working alone– Diverse hazards (fire, chemicals etc.)– Age of worker (young/old)– Repetitive motion– Unpredictable environment– Diverse terrain– Lack of workplace safety regulations

Background

Estimated number of farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities appears to range from 1.14 million to 2.23 million individuals (Deboy et al., 2008)

The NeedPhysical and mental disabling conditions can increase the potential of injuries for farmers who continue to perform tasksStudies indicate that > 72% of farmers with disabilities fabricate their own AT to continue to perform tasksBoth commercial and home-fabricated AT can cause injuries

(Allen et al., 1995; Willkomm, 2004)

The NeedCurrently there are no comprehensive safety guidelines or regulations for farmers who fabricate ATCurrently, rehabilitation professionals and funding agencies like ‘VR’ do not have a validated assessment process to– assess suitability of AT– evaluate safety of home-fabricated AT– satisfy their procedural requirements for

providing funding

Prior Reports/ResearchTormoehlen, R. L., & Field, W. E. (1983). Plowshares #1.

Special Breaking New Ground technical report: Potential health and safety risks of farming with physical handicaps. West Lafayette, IN: Breaking New Ground Resource Center, Purdue University.

Allen, P. B., Field, W. E., & Frick, M. J. (1995). Assessment of work-related injury risk for farmers and ranchers with physical disabilities. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 1(2), 71-81.

Willkomm, T. (1997). Risks in using modified tractors by operators with spinal cord injuries and their co-workers. (Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 1997), Dissertations and Theses (PQDT).

Prior Reports/Research

Gruver, M.L., Allen, P.B., Field, W. E., & Schweitzer, J. (1997). Plowshares #27. Special Breaking New Ground technical report: Potential health and safety risks of farming/ranching with a disability. West Lafayette, IN: Breaking New Ground Resource Center, Purdue University.

Yoder, A. M. (2002). Ergonomic evaluation of commercially available operator lifts for farmers with disabilities. (Doctoral dissertation, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 2002), ETD Collection for Purdue University.

Prior Reports/Research

Breaking New Ground. (2005). Conducting agricultural worksite assessments: A user's guide for professionals assisting farmers & ranchers with physical disabilities (3rd ed.). West Lafayette, IN: Breaking New Ground Resource Center, Purdue University.

Kelso, S. A., & Mann, D. D. (2005). Assistive technology adaptations for farmers with physical disabilities Paper presented at the CSAE-SCGR 2005 Annual Meeting.

Prior Reports/Research

Kelso, S. A., Stangherlin, A. M., & Mann, D. D. (2008). Evaluation of mechanical tractor pedal extensions. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 14(4), 431-439.

Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service. (2008). Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities: State and regional AgrAbility projects. Retrieved August 20, 2009. from http://www.csrees.usda. gov/funding/rfas/pdfs/08_agrability.pdf.

The Problem

Most AT used by farmers is locally made and may not comply with current engineering, regulatory or safe workplace standards

Assessment Tool Objectives

Building on work previously done for the agricultural workpace – “Conducting an Agricultural Worksite Assessment”AgrAbility professionals should strive to ensure that whatever they recommend will result in NO HARM to the client

Assessment Tool - ObjectivesProvide an evaluation method for funding agencies to reasonably estimate the safety of home-fabricated ATTraining tool for rehabilitation professionals to assess AT used by farmers with disabilitiesPrevention of secondary injuries

Assessment Tool - Objectives

Help the assessor to identify potential for injury to the userThe assessor can provide suggestions for preventive /corrective measures to avoid or minimize risk of injury

Development Process

Case Studies of farmers Inputs from professionals who serve farmers’ with disabilities having AT needsDevelopment of prototype assessment toolContent validation by expert panel

Forms of Assistive Technology

Commercially availableModifications to commercially available ATHome-fabricated AT

Common AT Used by Farmers with Disabilities

Designed by self or friends and familyFabricated by self or local craftsmenSpecific devices custom-built for a purpose or modifications to standard equipmentBoth power- or manual- operatedMost complex ones are lifts of various kinds to access farm equipment operator seat

Home-fabricated AT – Lifts

Home-fabricated AT – Hand Control

Home-fabricated AT – Added Steps

Home-fabricated AT – Cultivating Cart

Home-fabricated AT – Utility Vehicle

Home-fabricated AT – Lift

Home fabricated AT –- Home Access Lift

Home-fabricated AT – Seat Actuator on Tractor

Home-fabricated AT – Sprayer

Home-fabricated AT – Lift

Home-fabricated AT – Added Steps

Home-fabricated AT – Added Spring Loaded Steps

Home-fabricated AT – Movement and Speed

Home-fabricated AT – Lift

Home-fabricated AT – Lift Attached to Tractor

Home-fabricated AT – Steps

Home-fabricated AT – Lift Attached to Combine

Home-fabricated AT – Sprayer Platform

BREAK TIME

Contents of Assessment ToolSection I – IntroductionSection II – Steps in Assessment ProcessSection III - Reference sheets

– w/Descriptions and PicturesSection IV – Assessment Example with all

Worksheets filledSection V Copy ready assessment sheets

(Worksheets A to F)

Contents (…contd)

Worksheet A Client & Disability InformationWorksheet B AT InformationWorksheet C Quick Reference sheetWorksheet D Assessment QuestionsWorksheet E Problems Observed/SolutionsWorksheet F Results & Recommendations

Practice TimeOpen your packet to Section I page I-1Familiarize with– Section descriptions at bottom of page I-1– The purpose of the tool Page I-1– Who should use the tool & why Page I-2– Component description (Worksheets) Page I-2– Computer program to enter data & print report

Page I-3

– Recommended toolkit page I-4

Pause for Questions

Questions on Section I?

How to Use the Assessment Tool?Conversation with the client– Establish personal rapport– Understand client’s disabilities and strengths– Obtain & fill client information in worksheet A– Obtain & fill AT information in worksheet B

Observe operation of the AT /Examine ATRead Quick Reference worksheet C and check mark (X) the items to be assessed. (Note: If in doubt, check the item)

How to Use the Assessment Tool?Take pictures of AT where ever requiredRefer to Section III as often as requiredSystematically check items and answer questions in Worksheet DPrepare Worksheet E based on Worksheet DDiscuss, the observations and possible solution suggestions with the client Prepare Worksheet F based on Worksheet E

Computer ProgramStart the program and enter all the items in Worksheet A,B,D and fill in Worksheet F.Upload pictures simultaneously. Before uploading mark/highlight pictures, if neededSave file in an appropriate directory with appropriate ‘filename’ and exit programOpen ‘filename.html’ in browser and print report that contains Worksheet A,B,D and F

Practice TimeTurn to Section II on page II-1Review the sub-sections – Before the Evaluation– During the Evaluation– After the Evaluation

Turn to Section IV on page IV-1. Familiarize with Worksheet A and BDemonstration of Computer Program: observe data being entered on screen in Worksheet A and B

Pause for Questions

Questions on :– Section II ?– Worksheet A or B?– Computer Program?

The Reference Sheets – Section III

One-to-one correspondence to Quick Reference sheet (Worksheet C) and Assessment Questions (Worksheet D)Brief explanation of the intent of the question

How to Use the Reference Sheets?

Read the reference sheet before answering the assessment item Understand the context, the importance of the assessment questionIf more clarity is needed, ask an expert (e.g. electrician or Professional Engineer) or take a second opinion based on the observation

The Quick Reference Sheet – Worksheet C

Checklist to initially identify which all items are relevant to the AT under evaluationSame sequence as Worksheet DOverview of the assessment in one pageField accessory for the assessorOptional to use but helpful for organizing the assessment process

Assessment Questionnaire – Worksheet D

55 questions on potential situations for injuries Items categorized in 8 groups for easier useEach item has 3 choices Items ‘not applicable’ can be marked and ruled outSpace for problems observed, solutions suggested Alternate computer program to enter same data and produce a report with recommendations

Practice TimeTurn to Section IV. Worksheet C on page IV-5. Refer to Section III as neededTurn to Section IV. Worksheet D on page IV-6 and familiarize with the questions from IV-6 to IV-12. Refer to Section III Turn to Section IV Worksheet E page IV-15 to IV-24. Turn to Section IV Worksheet E on page IV-25

Pause for Questions

Questions on :– Section III ?– Section IV Worksheet C, D, E or F?– Section V – Copy ready sheets of Worksheet A,

B, C, D, E and F?

Suggested Toolkit for Assessment

Clipboard Digital CameraMeasuring tapeAngle finderCalculatorWire brush

Magnifying glassScrewdriverPliersFish scaleVoltage testerLevel

Toolkit Price : Total $ 65.39Screwdriver (4 piece) + 16’ measuring tape + Pliers + Knife (‘Task Force’ Brand kit from Lowe’s) $9.98Angle finder (Swanson) from Lowe’s $9.86Zebco Fish scale from Wal-mart- $5.59Level from Lowe’s - $ 2.00Ultraoptix Magnifying glass from Staples- $6.99Wire brush from Tractor Supplies - $4.00Ideal Brand Voltage tester from Lowe’s - $9.98Clip board with calculator from Staples - $16.99

Tips on Completing Assessment

Don’t assume without knowing all factsIf in doubt, ask the client or an expert Take variety of pictures, draw diagrams to explain the problem clearly, and take video clips. It will help during review session with the client or another expert

Tips on Completing Assessment

Describe situation in simple termsAsk an expert if second opinion necessaryObserve the AT during operationTake measurements, operate levers, examine closely

Tips on Completing ‘Solutions Suggested’

Discuss the possible solution(s)with client Discuss the consequences of not implementing a solution for the observed problemConsider cost, suggest economical solutionsSuggest easily achievable modificationsProvide information on resources available (e.g. VR)

Tips on Recommendations

Consider suitability of AT to the userDiscuss the problems observed with the user before making recommendationsDiscuss solutions and help the user understand the potential for injuryConsult with experts or take a second opinion if required

Sample Home-fabricated AT - Lift• Frail construction (1)• No emergency exit (5)• Winch mechanism not certified

for human lifting (6)• Dangling wires (18)• Sharp edges and corners (25)• Projections on moving parts (26)• No proper seat belts (38)• No stabilizing supports (41)• No back-up power source (47)• No back-up control switches (48)• No operating instructions (49)• And many more …..

Home-fabricated AT – Cultivating Cart• No brakes (12)• Pinch points (22)• Sharp edges and corners (25)• Unshielded moving parts (27)• Weather related restrictions

(37)

Home-fabricated AT -Skid Loader Platform

• Overall weight (8)• Sharp edges or corners (25)• Slippery surfaces (30)• Handrails and handholds (42)

Limitations of Assessment Tool

Not a certification but a guidelineNo pass or fail scoreThere may be features not includedAll items not applicable to all ATsNo engineering details

Who Should Use This Tool ? AT FabricatorsAT Assessment Professionals

BenefitTo estimate the potential for secondary

injury when implementing ATs for farmers with disabilities

Who Should Use This Tool ?AT users

BenefitTo have the assurance about the

general safety of the home-fabricated ATs (that do not undergo rigorous testing and certification as in the case of a commercially manufactured equipment)

Who Should Use This Tool ?

Rehabilitation Funding agencies

BenefitUse the assessment report that

documents the general safety aspects of home-fabricated ATs used by farmers with disabilities.

Who Should Use This Tool ?

AgrAbility Staff

BenefitAs a training instrument to identify

potential disability-related hazards on home-fabricated AT in the agricultural workplace

Practice Session

Time for practiceUse assessment process on a real AT

Follow instructions about group activity depending upon size of class

Comments or Questions?National AgrAbility Project

bng@ecn.purdue.eduPhone: 800-825-4264

THANK YOU!