Assistive Technology: Modifying Equipment - Tractor Visibility

Описание: An injury, pain, or a disability can impact the ability to operate equipment effectively, which decreases overall farm productivity and safety.

Back and neck pain, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and many other health conditions can affect one’s ability to properly monitor implements pulled behind the tractor and check surroundings. It is also important to consider secondary injury that could occur during equipment
operation.

“Repetitive movements, as well as prolonged static positions of the head and neck may lead to symptoms of muscle strain, joint deformity, and nerve compression. This results in pain, muscle weakness, and interferes with the farmer’s comfort while operating farm equipment,” said Dwight Heller, a licensed OT practitioner who works with AgrAbility PA farmers.

Adding assistive technology to equipment can help maintain or improve one’s ability to monitor their surroundings. One type of assistive technology to consider is a cab camera, also know as a backup camera. Another option is to install an over-sized magnetic mirror.

For many farmers, these devices can help them return to safe and independent equipment operation.