Getting rid of ladders should not only make the orchard a safer place, but might open up orchard jobs to a larger pool of people. Karen Lewis, Washington State University Extension educator in the Columbia Basin, is working on a project to develop a multirow platform system that would transport workers down orchard rows. Lewis said the industry, collectively and as individuals, recognizes the inherent risks of orchard work, and removing ladders provides an opportunity to reduce the risks. “By getting rid of the ladders, we anticipate we will reduce injury,” she said. “We will reduce fatigue, and less fatigue […]