The concepts of ergonomics are generally used in offices and factories, but this was the first time I’ve seen devoted to field activities. The ergonomic belt, baptized by Coconut is nothing more than a Colombian slang for “container harvesting” may revolutionize the routine of coffee pickers and change the pace of work on crops.
Designed by industrial design student from Parsons School of Desing, Cue Ravassa Gabriela, it is not very different from the baskets used at present, but small ergonomic improvements make it unique. The idea is simple. A bucket specially designed to follow the shape of the body (more specifically the waist) is tied to the person who will harvest the coffee. The major innovation is in the belt. With greater support at the back, it ensures more stability in time to move and divide the weight more comfortably. This small change in design ensures comfort, improves working conditions and avoid possible cases of back pain.
According to the designer, the indentation at the bottom of the bucket regarding the movement when the employee walks and thus prevents bruising of the legs. Two handles prevent possible falls and increase safety when they are transported from one place to another.
Now, I would like to see it applied to crops. Have you seen any innovation that improves working conditions in the field?