Preventing TMS in the dairy industry: Guaranteeing the well-being of dairy workers
Despite the picturesque nature of the dairy trade, characterized by a privileged proximity to animals and large rural areas, it is not free from risks to the health of workers. The rates of occupational accidents and health problems related to occupational activity in this sector are among the highest among agricultural workers
The milking of cows, the handling of heavy equipment, the repetitive tasks such as the cleaning of stables and the management of herds expose dairy workers to the risk of developing musculo-skeletal disorders (TMS)
It is imperative for dairy professionals to put in place preventive measures, including the use of ergonomic equipment.
Preventing TMS in the dairy industry: Guaranteeing the well-being of dairy workers
Despite the picturesque nature of the dairy trade, characterized by a privileged proximity to animals and large rural areas, it is not free from risks to the health of workers. The rates of occupational accidents and health problems related to occupational activity in this sector are among the highest among agricultural workers
The milking of cows, the handling of heavy equipment, the repetitive tasks such as the cleaning of stables and the management of herds expose dairy workers to the risk of developing musculo-skeletal disorders (TMS)
It is imperative for dairy professionals to put in place preventive measures, including the use of ergonomic equipment.
Beyond Pain: Understanding TMS
Musculoskeletal disorders (TMS) are diseases that affect the joints, muscles and tendons due, in particular, to biomechanical overburden.
Given their high prevalence (they represent 87% of occupational diseases in France) and their impacts both for employees (sequelles...) and for companies (absentery, lower productivity, health insurance premiums...), it is necessary to put in place concrete actions to remedy them
Among these, it is possible to turn to the exoskeletons.
Preventive measures for dairy workers: Promoting musculo-skeletal health in dairy farms
In order to prevent musculo-skeletal disorders (TMS) in dairy workers, here are some essential preventive measures:
1. Work placement: Customize workstations by adjusting equipment to reduce physical constraints, for example by providing height-adjustable milking platforms to minimize excessive bending.
2. Use of ergonomic equipment: Provide ergonomic tools and equipment adapted to the specific tasks of dairy workers, such as ergonomic milking devices and lifting devices to reduce physical pressure, as well as ergonomic equipment for back relief.
3. Task rotation: Encourage rotation of tasks to diversify movements and decrease repetitiveness, thus helping to prevent muscular fatigue and TMS.
4. Regular breaks: Promote regular breaks during extended work periods, allowing workers to rest and relax their muscles, with the use of back relief equipment such as lumbar support devices.
5. Medical and ergonomic monitoring: Provide regular medical monitoring to detect early signs of TMS and provide personalized ergonomic advice to optimize the use of lumbar support equipment and prevent injuries.
6. Training and awareness: Provide training on the risks of TMS and good work practices, raise workers' awareness of the appropriate use of ergonomic equipment and their back relief benefits.
What is an exoskeleton ?
Exoskeletal Physical Assistance Devices (PADs) are ergonomic solutions that, as their name suggests, aim to reduce the biomechanical demands of workers.
Carried on the body as a backpack, these exoskeletons are completely passive (no engines, cylinders or other electronics) and operate with a principle of storage-restitution of energy through composite springs.
Concretely, the exoskeletons developed by ErgoHealth make it possible to facilitate work, reduce fatigue, preserve health and maintain employment.
HAPO: the exoskeleton that relieves the back on demand
The HAPO is a passive physical support device that operates with composite spring rods that allows a partial transfer of efforts from the top of the trunk (by pectoral support), to the thighs.
Both light (1.2 kg) and discreet, HAPO has been designed to help workers reduce lumbar physical load and thus preserve intervertebral discs.
Optimal situations for the use of HAPO exoskeleton are those that require a "fronted" posture" static or dynamic tasks.
Useable both outdoors and indoors, the HAPO has the particularity of being disconnectable in such a way that it can sit in an equipment or climb stairs without any discomfort and security.
In laboratory tests, it was shown that, compared to an exoskeletal situation, the HAPO allowed to reduce approximately -20 % the solicitation of back muscles.
HAPO FRONT: the exoskeleton dedicated to repetitive tasks in front of one
The HAPO FRONT is a physical support device for relieve upper limbs, shoulders. Thanks to its two composite spring rods surmounted by two double interfaces, the HAPO FRONT maintains the user’s arms in a working position, face to face.
Its design made simple and intuitive makes HAPO FRONT a particularly suitable solution for any work posing repeated manipulation objects prolonged arm retention in front of you or all postures "arm forward impacting the members of the upper body. Tested in laboratory by a team of biomechanics, HAPO FRONT has proven to be particularly effective for reduce shoulder constraints: -15% muscle solicitation associated with this joint (with blue springs) compared to an identical situation made without exoskeleton.