Harvesting

Harvesting Facts: The most labor-intensive orchard activity is harvest work.

Major components:

  • Work is either paid hourly or by piecework.
  • Aluminum ladders range from 8-12 feet and weigh between 20 – 35 lbs. Moved frequently.
  • Climbing, balancing, and reaching. Arms over head.
  • Full bag of apples weighs ~ 50 pounds and normally worn on the front of the body.
  • Full bags are carried down ladder to bins located on ground.
  • Worker bends over the bin and carefully empties out the bag from the bottom.
  • Ladder injuries (falls, strains and sprains) are common. Also back injury from carrying and emptying bag and muscle strain from rapid picking.

Common Hazards and Conditions