Home
> Workplace health and safety > Subject index A-Z > Rural industry > Orchard operations > Harvesting fruit
Harvesting fruit
Picking and emptying bags
Ladders
Hydraulic ladders
Grading
Fruit packing and carton making
Safe use of pruning equipment
Picking and emptying bags
- Select a bag which is the right size for you or one that is slightly smaller.
- Make sure the straps are put on properly and adjusted so the bag is comfortable. The straps should be flat on your shoulders or back – not twisted.
- Keep your back straight, hips and knees bent and the load close to your body when emptying bags into bulk bins.
Ladders
Ladders are used for most operations in tree fruit production including picking, pruning and thinning.
When using a ladder:
- Choose one that is right for your size, weight and for the trees.
- Check the ladder is structurally safe and report any faults to your supervisor.
- Make sure spurs are not worn off or safety chains are on ladders if they don’t have spurs.
- Place the ladder side-on to the tree in a stable position as close as possible to the highest fruit to be picked. If the front on position is used access to the tree can be restricted by the ladder.
- Stabilise the ladder by pushing the back two legs into the ground using your hands to push down on the rungs.
- Stand on the first rung and exerting pressure on the front prong by pushing forward with your hand on a high rung.
- Climb the ladder with an empty picking bag and pick the fruit furthest away from the ladder.
- Stand underneath the ladder to lift it up and shifting it so that you can comfortably reach the target area.
Hydraulic ladders
Ground conditions, height of cradle above ground, weight of fruit in picking bag and structural modifications place limitations on the use of hydraulic ladders in orchards.
When using hydraulic ladders:
- Check tyre pressure and oil levels daily.
- Keep a lookout for overhead powerlines and avoiding using them during an electrical storm.
- Ensure operators are capable of operating hydraulic ladders correctly.
Grading
When grading:
- Ensure all the machinery is turned off and isolated before doing repairs to any grading or carton making machinery and be aware of forklifts operating in the shed.
- Keep the guards in place.
- Clean regularly around graders and inside guards where squashed fruit or water could cause accidents, fires or breakdowns.
- Keep power leads uncoiled and away from water.
- Check around the graders for partially severed power leads or fused motors and use an electrician to fix any problems.
- Rotate tasks or job enhancement to reduce static postures.
- Stand on rubber mats to reduce static loads.
- Minimise or avoid repetitive tasks.
- Adjust grading conveyor heights to eliminate bending or reaching, reducing the loads being lifted.
Fruit packing and carton making
Before lifting a carton of fruit make sure you:
- Remove all rubbish from the packing area including any dropped fruit and strapping.
- Wear the right shoes.
- Keep your back straight, hips and knees bent and the load close to your body.
Safe use of pruning equipment
When using secateurs and compressed air pruning guns:
- Know how to use them properly.
- Keep the secateurs and guns sharp and free of worn parts.
- Prune at a safe distance from co-workers and avoid holding the tree wood you are about to prune.
- Make sure the air hose is disconnected before working on pruning guns.
- Make sure trigger safety switches are applied when moving the guns between rows and climbing up ladders.
- Unplug hoses and release stored air from the compressor during long breaks.
- Avoid using compressed air to clean clothing or dust particles from the body.
Last updated 21 August 2008
Other languages