# Design and Comparative Analysis of a Ground-Level Trellising Tool for Greenhouse Tomato Cultivation
## 4 Discussion
When ladders are used, one of the factors that increases the probability of falling (Table 4) is their instability and poor balance [35]. It is observed that the lack of stability is aggravated during trellising due to the sandy ground of the greenhouse, which does not allow for safe support. Some authors indicate that accidents usually occur while the worker is standing on the ladder, but they also occur during ascent and descent [36], which is very common in trellising. Furthermore, not having both hands free during the climb increases the risk of falling [37], which is common during this work due to the transport of raffia. Fractures or bruises are the most common consequences that, in some cases, lead to the dismissal of workers [36]. Scaffolding poses a risk of falling from a height during trellising (Table 4), which is greater for manual scaffolding. This is because the worker has to go up and down repeatedly to move the scaffolding along the line. Motorized scaffolding, on the other hand, is driven from the platform. Frequent ascents and descents on manual scaffolding increase the risk of falling [38]. The location of materials on the platform where the farmer stands is a risk factor for falling due to obstacles. The risks of this equipment are not intolerable, as those used in the evaluated greenhouses have railings, an important measure for worker safety [39]. Measures are needed to reduce or prevent falls from height in agriculture. Some studies suggest training workers [40], paying greater attention to tasks at height and the work environment [41], using safety equipment [23], and wearing a bicycle helmet when using ladders [42], among other precautions. The use of the proposed tool (Figure 11) allows the work to be carried out at ground level. The required working height is reached thanks to its adjustable handle, without any risk of falling for the worker. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a very common risk in this sector [43]. The telescopic mast is also designed to avoid awkward postures for the farmer. The International Labor Office indicates the use of tools with handles whose length is adjusted to the user as an ergonomic measure in the agricultural sector [44]. These results have direct implications for farmers in the province of Almeria and other regions of tomato production. The balance among efficiency, cost, and safety must be carefully considered when selecting the trellising method. Although stilts are the most efficient and economical method, their high risk indicates dangers to worker safety. The newly designed tool appears to be the best option in terms of balanced factors, combining competitive trellising times, reasonable costs, and a much lower level of risk. One of the limitations of this study is that factors such as worker fatigue or the possibility of optimizing the methods analyzed based on other agronomic variables, such as crop type or soil conditions, were not considered. Future studies could focus on evaluating these factors and developing better trellising practices that minimize both risk and physical effort. For this purpose, a full (or fractional) factorial experiment is proposed in future research analyzing how multiple factors, depending on crop characteristics, farmer characteristics, and greenhouse conditions, affect the risk of accidents, efficiency, and cost of the trellising process [45]. In addition, it would be interesting to analyze the implementation of technological or automated solutions in the trellising process in order to further reduce the associated risks and costs. The broader implications of these findings are significant for efficient and safe agricultural practices. Integrating the greenhouse trellising tool not only reduces the operational costs of agricultural campaigns but also contributes to occupational health and safety objectives.