Improvements to traditional charcoal production methods through participatory ergonomics: the St Lucian experience in the Caribbean

Tahseen Jafry*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The production of charcoal, the cooking fuel of choice in St Lucia, is done using the traditional method of burning wood in pits. It is a strenuous activity which exposes the producers to occupational hazards such as heat and dust. This paper describes how, through participatory ergonomics, the process of charcoal production was improved thereby reducing the risk to producers of occupational health problems. The use of a dust mask, development of a sieve chute for sorting coals from debris, and the adoption of improved lifting techniques by the producers are described. The dissemination of the research results to other charcoal producers in St Lucia is also documented.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)92-99
Number of pages8
JournalScience, Technology and Development
Volume16
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Development

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