Ergonomics in apiculture: A case study based on inspecting movable frame hives for healthy bee activities

Abstract

The agricultural sector suffers from high risk of injury and damage to human health. There is considerable research not only identifying these risks but also finding ways to mitigate them. Beekeeping or apiculture, recognised as part of this sector, has many risk factors such as heavy lifting, high degree of manual materials handling, twisting, and awkward positioning common to all agriculture areas. It also has some unique risks such as those resulting from bee stings and smokers. However, there is much less attention focused on the health and safety of apiculture to the human beekeepers, and much more attention focused on bee health and safety. An ergonomics case study on beekeeping inspection tasks involving three independent, local beekeepers showed that many tasks involve awkward positions of the body, arms and hands, excessive lifting well beyond recommended weight limits, eye strain, and chemical and sting exposure. In addition, beekeepers are more interested in bee and hive health rather than reducing human-centred risk factors such as those due to excessive lifting. Standard ergonomics interventions such as a magnifier inspection and lift assist systems as well as interventions unique to beekeeping such as a smokeless method of calming bees are recommended. The beekeeping industry seems to have been forgotten in the modernisation of technology and agricultural practices. This paper offers some initial insights into possible points for research, development and improvements.

Keywords: Agricultural science; Apiculture; Manual materials handling; Micro- and organisational ergonomics.

Fig. 1

Hive box design from J2 that includes a migration lid, lifting cleat and customised sliding bottom board with pull pin.

Fig. 2

Organisation and height variety of B1's hives.

Fig. 3

a: Variety of hive heights. b: Lift between waist and shoulder. A clamp and band holds the box together with the lid and bottom feet. c: Lift at shoulder height of super full of honey.

Fig. 4

a: Prying frames apart below waist. b: Lift single frame with fingers and hands. c: Frame inspection – wrists, hands and fingers engaged and in awkward positions.

Fig. 5

Prying frames with box at waist height.

Fig. 6

a: Prying the bee excluder from box. b: Scraping excess wax off box lid.

Fig. 7

Removal of an unwanted queen cell.

Fig. 8

a: J2's hives placed at table top height. b: J2's hive placed on cement block and wood.

Fig. 9

Use of a smoker with hand operated bellows.

Fig. 10

Sliding tray filled with oil as small hive beetle trap.