Literature source materials have been drawn from extensive electronic searching of
databases and manual searching of journals, proceedings, and standards in the
related domain. In-depth scrutiny of literature gives a perception of scatteredness
of the source materials in terms of the strength and consistency of evidence on the
specific subject matter. Field experiments, observational studies, and design inter-
ventions on farming tools and practices were considered persuasive in selecting the
source materials. Due to scatteredness, however, the selection of studies was par-
tially purposive. Potentially unfamiliar numerical and statistical derivations have
generally been avoided. Many national and international standards are quoted in
related chapters despite the usual brevity in the public domain.
With the view of the multi-disciplinary readership, the book is organized into six
major areas of importance, namely agriculture growth and development (Part I),
fundamentals of ergonomics and human factors (Part II), farm development (Part
III), health and safety (Part IV), ergonomics application in design (Part V), and
health services in agriculture (Part VI).
Part I, Agriculture growth and development, brings a brief overview of world
agriculture and workforce including women in farming (Chap. 1) and elaborates the
conventional farming work methods and practices in small landholding (Chap. 2).
Part II, Fundamentals of ergonomics and human factors, includes the conceptual
understanding of the subje ct matter about work and workplace design in farming.
The part embodies the historical emergence of the discipline of ergonomics and
human factors and its gradual penetration in agricultural practices (Chap. 3), the
workplace drudgery in farming activities (Chap. 4), the scope of work scheduling
and work–rest cycles to mitigating drudgery and fatigue (Chap. 5), and human
dimensional and strength compatibility requirements in the design of farm tools and
machinery (Chap. 6).
Part III, Farm development, brings an analysis of the disparities of farm
mechanization in different geographical regions. Di scussion emphasizes the quan-
titative approaches in estimating the mechanization index and evaluating farm
mechanization (Chap. 7). Part IV, Health and safety, covers an analysis of world
scenario of farm accidents and injuries and accident prevention interventions
(Chap. 8), and the gamut of health hazards prevailing in farming (Chap. 9). The
cumulative health hazards arise due to the exposure to noise and vibration, climatic
stress, and dust emanates from crop and cropping. A special section elucidates the
issues of pesticide and chemical toxicity, including guidance on safety and health
(Chap. 10).
Part V, Ergonomics application in design, covers a summary of ergo-design
criteria for farm tools and machine ry (Chap. 11). Chapter 12 deals wi th the specific
application of ergonomics in the design of selected farm tools and equipment. The
examples include hand tools and manual- and power-operated farm machines that
are used by both men and women. Chapter 13 e xtends the application of ergo-
nomics principles in the design of the tractor and power tiller operator’s workplace.
In summ ary, Part V provides illustrations of the application of the anthropometric
and muscle strength data in the ergo-design of the workplace, farm tools, and
machinery of representative interest. The professionals can use the concept and
viii Preface