Cornell University Ergonomics Web

Saffron Picking Project 2010

In the spring 2010 semester the DEA4700 Applied Ergonomics Methods class undertook a project to investigate the ways in which ergonomics might reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems for saffron pickers.  Most of the world's saffron is picked in Iran in a weeks period by people of all ages in fields with varying topographies. Solutions have to be low cost and easy to implement in an environment with limited mechanization. Also, the saffron crocus is very fragile so automated methods of picking cannot be used. The students organized themselves into 3 groups, Human Solutions, Humanus and Trapezium. We thank Nasrin Sadeghi, Occupational Hygiene MSc, GMU Instructor, for suggesting the project and for providing useful information. The reports by each of these teams are shown below.