Safety Analysis of Assistive Technology

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Safety Analysis of Assistive Technology

• Daniel A. Hite
• Iowa State University
• National AgrAbility Conference
• November 12, 2003

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Farming with a Disability

• Farming- Most dangerous occupation
• 130,000 agricultural workers experienced
  disabling injuries in 2000
• Farmers with disabilities have additional risks

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Farming with a Disability

• Farmers may have no knowledge of the
  rehabilitation technology that is available
• Used to maximize the abilities of the worker and
  reduce the risk of secondary injuries
• Farmers may be aware of assistive technology, but
  no funds

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Iowa AgrAbility

• ISU Extension Iowa Easter Seals
• Mobility
• Returning to work
• Gain greater independence for everyday living
• Provide technology and support services that are
  inexpensive
• Goals
• Keep workers productive
• Reduce chances of secondary injuries

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Iowa AgrAbility

• Modifications depend on 8 factors to reduce the
  risk of additional injuries or illnesses
• Severity of disability
• Medical history current prognosis
• Nature of Ag production tasks to be performed
• Skills abilities of farmer with a disability
• Availability of caregivers or co-workers
• Availability of needed worksite modifications and
  the funding to pay for them
• Age of farmer
• Skills of individual making the modifications

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Purpose of Study

• Develop safety checklists for common assistive
  technologies
• AgrAbility staff can use these checklists as a
  guide when discussing these technologies with
  their clients

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Ten Common Technologies

• Platform Lift
• Sling Lift
• Corral Handling
• Table Lift
• Automatic Feeding System

• Hand Tools
• Wheelchair Lift
• Additional Steps
• ATV
• Brakes, Clutch Levers, Grab Bars

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Methodology

• Performed a safety analysis on common
  technologies
• Worked with Easter Seals to determine safety
  issues with assistive technology
• Development of safety checklists
• Apply safety checklists to assess their
  effectiveness in identifying safety issues

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Safety Checklists

• Handouts

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Discussion of Checklist Use

• Example of checklist use
• Sling/Harness Lift

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• SLING LIFT CHECKLIST

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Questions??