Course:SPPH381B/TermProject/Coffee Beans/Coffee Cherry Picking
Coffee Cherry Picking
Ripe cherries are either harvested from coffee trees by hand or by using a harvesting machine.
Workers picking cherries manually typically work long hours in the sun and are therefore at risk of dehydration or overheating. Overworking can also lead to heart issues later in life, especially when the work involves lifting heavy objects (such as bags of cherries).[1] Picking cherries is a repetitive task and thus the workers are at risk of developing repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
When using a harvesting machine, workers are at risk of injury from the picking mechanism.
Workers can also be exposed to pesticides that were used during the farming process which can cause sickness and even death. Less developed countries, where coffee is usually grown, typically have fewer regulations limiting the use of harmful chemicals as pesticides.[2]
Occupational health and safety
Physical hazards
- Dehydration or overheating
- Overworking and heart issues
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Injury from machinery
Chemical hazards
References
- ↑ @acsifferlin, A. S. (2013, April 19). Working Too Hard? Physically Demanding Jobs Tied to Higher Risk of Heart Disease. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from http://healthland.time.com/2013/04/19/physically-demanding-jobs-are-linked-to-higher-risk-of-heart-disease/
- ↑ Pesticides used on coffee farms, part 3: Common pesticides. (2017, February 19). Retrieved March 29, 2017, from http://www.coffeehabitat.com/2006/12/pesticides_used_2/