Case Study
Workplace design for a farmer

Company:

The farmer runs his own small company with about 20 hectares of farmland and about 30 head of large livestock.

Disability and impairment of the man:

Due to an accident at work, the farmer's left fingers were amputated two to five. Due to the disability, the man has very limited ability to handle and transport loads manually.

Training and job:

The man is a skilled farmer.

Workplace and work task:

Until now, the farmer had to manually supply the livestock with feed (e.g. hay and concentrated feed). To do this, he loaded a wheelbarrow with feed using a shovel and then took it to the stables. After the work accident, this method of working is no longer possible. The manual work is now supported by a hay crane attached to the ceiling of the barn with a pendant control for one-hand control and a grapple as a load lifting device. The hay crane is used to transport the hay out of the barn via a rail system. The hay is then transported to the cattle with the additionally purchased Hoftrac (yard loader) - the Hoftrac also enables the transport of concentrated feed. The Hoftrac has a steering wheel with a rotary knob and can be easily steered with one hand using the power steering. The workplace design suitable for disabled people means that the farmer can continue to carry out his activities.

Occupational health and safety:

An occupational health examination was carried out to check the suitability for driving, controlling and monitoring the farm loader. For this purpose, an occupational health service carried out a corresponding assessment and the suitability was also confirmed by the Agricultural Employer's Liability Insurance Association.

Assistive products used:

Motor vehicle accessories and adaptations for the operation of the steering (steering wheel knobs)
Cranes, hoists and load handling devices

Support and involvement:

The Agricultural Employer's Liability Insurance Association provided advice and support on work design suitable for disabled people on the basis of its responsibility following the occupational accident.

ICF Items

Reference Number:

R/PB1069


Last Update: 10 Jan 2022