Introduction This series of articles will review what ‘ergonomics’ (also know as ‘human factors’) is and how it applies to gardening.  I became interested in ergonomics when a co-worker’s chronic arm, neck, and shoulder pain was relieved by having her desktop lower:  it had been four inches too high. The proliferation of personal computers, tablets, […]

When Using Hand Tools Keep the wrists in a neutral position (wrist straight with thumbs up or wrapped around a tool handle to meet the forefinger) RI 9684 page 5 (PDF) Avoid bending or twisting the wrist to get that last weed or prune that last branch Cushioned grips and tools with grip handles may […]

When Working Close to the Ground Bend from hips, not the waist. Keep the chin off the neck or chest. Keep the back straight. Work close to the body, the further away from the body the arms are, the rounder the back will be. Avoid twisting sideways: face you work area directly, for most people […]

Creating a Comfortable Work Environment – Continued Consider becoming a “messy gardener” and save effort with fall clean-up. Learn about the wildlife value of a messy garden from Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Select easy care plants Avoid working with tiny seeds. Choose young plants in small containers to reduce the need for digging large holes. […]