This initiative aims to preserve their health and well-being. Jean-Noël Ferrier, agricultural worker in Sauveterre, is currently testing a fiberglass exoskeleton which supports his back and kidneysallowing him to get up more easily and of reduce fatigue. His estate is one of the 35 vineyards selected to take part in this experience.
.In total, 47 hectares of vines will be pruned until mid-March. For the owner Stéphan Charrière, the comfort of the employees is essential. The test is carried out on men and women aged 24 to 65, employees on open-ended or fixed-term contracts. Each participant can choose an exoskeleton module according to its needs, whether fiberglass, with spring or elastic. The experience is meant to last three years in order to allow an assessment of theergonomics and worker health for long term use. Éric Argiolas, occupational risk prevention advisor, stresses the importance of this experimentation for the acceptability of this equipment (source 1).