Fruit harvesting and packaging is a seasonal activity that takes place on farms and in orchards where fruit is grown. Harvesting involves gathering ripe crops from the plants using one of three common methods:

• Hand harvesting
• Harvesting with hand tools
• Harvesting with machinery

Fruit packaging involves preparing the harvested fruit for shipment. This process can include weighing, wrapping, packing, sealing, and labeling. The method of packaging depends on the type of fruit, the quantity, and the method of shipment and sale. Common fruit packaging methods are:

• Hand packaging
• Packaging with machinery
• A combination of hand and machinery packaging

For more detailed information, you can refer to these resources:

• Fruit Harvesting Methods
• Fruit Packaging Techniques

Risks of Fruit Harvesting and Packaging

There are general and specific risks associated with fruit harvesting and packaging, including:

• Crush injuries and possible death from temporarily removing rollover protective structures (ROPS) on tractors
• Back and shoulder injuries from using ill-fitting fruit picking bags and lifting heavy items incorrectly
• Falls and serious injuries when using ladders for picking, pruning, and thinning
• Pinch, entanglement, and entrapment injuries ranging from minor grazes to amputations and death from contact with machinery
• Electrocution from damaged electrical cords and unsafe equipment
• Muscle strain from overreaching, stretching, and repetitive tasks
• Muscle, tendon, and nerve damage from repetitive movements
• Trip and slip injuries from obstructions in walkways and water on the floor
• Cut injuries from using secateurs
• Hearing and eye injuries from compressed air in air pruners and compressor hoses
• Heat stress from prolonged sun exposure
• Skin irritation and burns (and possible severe allergic reactions) from contact with mango sap, which is highly caustic and released when the stem is removed from the fruit

For more information on managing these risks, visit:

• Risks of Fruit Harvesting and Packaging

Managing the Risks

For Workers: As a worker, you must:

• Take care of your own health and safety, as well as the health and safety of others.
• Cooperate with management to meet health and safety requirements and reduce risks.

For Businesses: As an employer or business owner, you have legal responsibilities under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for the health and safety of every worker and visitor. The four-step risk management process below will help businesses meet their responsibilities under work health and safety (WHS) laws:

1. Identify Hazards
2. Assess Risks
3. Control Risks
4. Review Control Measures

For practical advice, refer to the How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB).

By working together, workers and managers can effectively reduce the risks associated with fruit harvesting and packaging.