Occupational safety and health in agriculture- The BOHS approach

BOHS series

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Definition of agriculture

Agricultural and forestry activities carried out in agricultural undertakings

including

Crop production, forestry activities, animal husbandry and insect

raising, the primary processing of agricultural and animal products by

or on behalf of the operator of the undertaking.

As well as the use and maintenance of machinery, equipment,

appliances, tools, and agricultural installations, including any process,

storage, operation or transportation in an agricultural undertaking,

which are directly related to agricultural production.REF: ILO convention no. 184

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INTRODUCTION

An estimated 1.3 billion workers are engaged in agricultural

production worldwide. This represents half of the total world labour

force.

Almost 60% of them are in developing countries.

A great majority of agricultural workers are found in Asia, which is the

most densely populated region of the world, with more than 40% of

the world's agricultural population concentrated in China and more

than 20% in India.

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Specific features of agricultural work

most tasks are carried out in the open air, exposing workers to

climatic conditions;

the seasonal nature of the work and the urgency of certain tasks in

specific periods;

a wide variety of tasks are performed by the same person;

the type of working postures and the length of the tasks

performed;

contact with animals and plants exposing workers to bites,

poisoning, infections, parasitic diseases, allergies, toxicity and

other health problems;

the use of chemicals and biological products ;

the considerable distances between living quarters and

workplaces.

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LABOUR FORCE IN AGRICULTURE

Lack of clear-cut distinctions between different categories of workers.

Numerous types of labour relations and different forms of labour force

participation.

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PRINCIPLES OF BOHS

The following principles will be applied in the organization of Basic

Occupational Health Services:

Available to all working people

Addressing to local needs

Adapted to local conditions

Affordable to providers and clients

Organized by the employer for employees

Provided by the public sector for the self-employed and the informal

sector

Supported by intermediate level services

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BOHS MODEL

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ORIENTATION AND PLANNING

1. Analysis of the type of production indicating the risks and problems

typical of the branch or occupation in concern.

Agriculture involves a wide range of different types of machinery,

animals, plants and products, working in both indoor and outdoor

environments

In India labour-intensive farming is much more common.

2. Review of problems that have been identified previously in the

company 

3. Review of the characteristics of the workforce of the company

child labour , migrant workers , seasonal, migratory and casual labour.

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ORIENTATION AND PLANNING

4. Available data on occupational diseases and accidents

5. Data on working methods, chemical substances, etc.

6. The knowledge by employers and employees of occupational health

problems

7. Plans for changes in production systems, e.g. installation of new

facilities, machinery and equipment

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SURVEILLANCE OF THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. Identification and evaluation of ergonomic factors which may affect

the workers' health

Ergonomic factors affecting the health outcomes of agricultural workers

include:

the nature of the physical work environment (noise, heat, lighting,

thermal comfort), the agricultural tasks to be performed;

the technology applied to the prescribed tasks (including workplace

design, facility design, and agricultural material handling);

the manner in which tasks are organized (including use of shift work);

and

Worker characteristics (including demographics, physiology, human

error, and identification and treatment of injured workers).

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SURVEILLANCE OF THE WORK ENVIRONMENT2. Assessment of conditions of occupational hygiene and factors, such

as physical, chemical, and biological exposures which may generate

risks to the health of workers

3. Assessment, where appropriate, of exposure of workers to adverse

psychological factors and aspects of work organization

4. Assessment of risk of occupational accidents and major hazards

5. Assessment of collective and personal protective equipment

6. Assessment of control systems designed to eliminate, prevent or

reduce exposure

7. Assessment of general hygiene and sanitary facilities

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Occupational Health Problems in Agriculture

Seasons, Unstable loading

Physical work stress, Accumulation of

fatigue

Risk of traumatism

The overtension diseases

Open Air work Weather Conditions, Dust

Over heating, Over cooling

Dust diseases

Use of new technology and

machinery

Noise, Vibration Hearing loss, Vibration diseases

Pesticides, fertilisers etc.

Chemical pollution of environment

Sensitization, Allergic diseases

Contact with animals and

biopreparationsBiological hazards Zoo-Anthroponoses

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Occupational Health Problems in Agriculture

Seasons, Unstable loading

Physical work stress,

Accumulation of fatigue

Risk of traumatis

m

The overtension diseases

Open Air work

Weather Conditions,

Dust

Over heating,

Over cooling

Dust diseases

Use of new technology and

machinery

Noise, Vibration

Hearing loss, Vibration diseases

Pesticides, fertilisers

etc.

Chemical pollution of

environment

Sensitization, Allergic diseases

Contact with animals and

biopreparations

Biological hazards

Zoo-Anthropon

oses

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SURVEILLANCE OF WORKERS' HEALTH

The following types of health examinations are carried out either on the

basis of regulations or as a part of good occupational health practice:

1. Pre-assignment (pre-employment) health examinations

2. Periodic health examinations

3. Return to work health examinations

4. General health examinations

5. Health examinations at termination or after ending of service

A new type of health examination has recently been

introduced for assessment of work ability of ageing workers.

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SURVEILLANCE OF WORKERS' HEALTH

In the case of exposure of workers to specific hazards, medical and

health surveillance should include, where appropriate, any

examination and investigations which may be necessary to detect

exposure levels and early effects and responses which also bear in

mind the biological difference between women and men.

Example, in pesticide handlers.

Pre-employment screening should ensure that those with inherently

low-level cholinesterase do not undertake work with organophosphate

or carbamate pesticides

baseline samples, periodic samples,

 

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ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS

A “hazard” is anything with the potential to do harm, whereas a “risk” is

the likelihood of potential harm from that hazard being realised.

The identification of hazards in the workplace should take into

account:

(a) the situation or events or combination of circumstances that have

the potential to give rise to injury or illness;

(b) the nature of potential injury or illness relevant to the activity,

product or service;

(c) those likely to be harmed (e.g. young workers, older workers,

temporary workers, pregnant workers); and

(d) past injuries, incidents and illness.

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ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKSThe steps in an occupational health risk assessment include:1. Identification of occupational health hazards (as a result of

surveillances) Hazards Description

Mechanical hazard

Poorly designed and/or guarded agricultural machinery is a major cause of fatalities and accidents. Injuries from cutting tools are another major risk.

Psycho social hazards

low pay, sexual and other harassment, job insecurity, poor promotion mechanisms, delay in payment of salaries.

Work organisation hazards

badly organised shift work and working hours, excessive overtime, lone working, lack of control over work.

Ergonomic hazards

These hazards can cause permanent injuries and disablement. For example: badly designed machinery, prolonged static working positions, repetitive work, unsuitable tools used by workers, poor seating

Others - Physical hazards , Biological hazards, chemical hazards, environmental

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ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS

2. Identification of workers or groups of workers exposed to specific

hazards for e.g. in tea plantation workers the hazards are different

for pruners, pluckers, sprayers

3. Analysis of how the hazard may affect the worker (ways of entry and

type of exposure, threshold limit values, dosage/ response

relationships, adverse health effects it may cause, etc.in case of

sprayers who are in constant contact with the pesticides)

4. Determination of intensity (level) and magnitude (volume) of risk

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ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS

5. Identification of individuals and groups with special vulnerabilities,

e.g. young workers, old workers, pregnant workers, temporary workers

6. Evaluation of available hazard prevention and control measures

7. Making conclusions and recommendations for the management and

control of risks

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ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS

Hierarchy of control measures for reducing risks in the work place.

A. Elimination

B. Substitution

C. Others

technical and engineering control- enclosure, isolation, ventilation

Safe systems of work- changing work schedules, extending rest

periods, training and information

Issuing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

8. Documenting the findings of the assessment

9. Periodic review and, if necessary, reassessment of risks

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INFORMATION AND EDUCATION ON RISKS AND ADVICE ON THE NEED FOR PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL ACTIONSThe information and education include the following aspects:

1. Workers in agriculture should have the right to be informed and

consulted on OSH matters including risks from new technologies; and

2. The workers have a right to know and get continuously information

on hazards related to their own work and the workplace.

3. The employer is responsible for training the workers on safe and

healthy work practices.

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INFORMATION AND EDUCATION ON RISKS AND ADVICE ON THE NEED FOR PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL ACTIONS4. The workers have a duty to follow the safety instructions and safe

and healthy work practices.

5. Confidential health information of an individual worker is subject to

special legislation and practices and to informed consent.

6. The advice provided by OHS personnel must be given in a form

which is easily understood by employers and workers.

7. Information given to various partners should be documented.

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PREVENTIVE ACTIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARDS AND RISKS

Control measures should be monitored and reviewed at regular

intervals and if necessary revised, especially when circumstances

change or if new information becomes available about the risks posed

or the suitability of existing control measures.

Control measures should also be reviewed and if necessary revised

following an accident.

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The risk management actions may comprise:

• Control of hazards at the source

• Ventilation or control technology

• Dust control

• Ergonomic measures

• Use of personal protective equipment

• Regulation of thermal conditions, etc.

PREVENTIVE ACTIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARDS AND RISKS

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PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS

1. Safe planning of facilities, machinery, etc.

The employer should not permit the use of any unsafe or faulty

equipment.

The employer should ensure the provision of adequate information,

instruction and training for those using equipment, and that their

skill levels are periodically evaluated.

2. Good housekeeping, order and cleanliness

The employer should ensure that workers are clearly instructed

and supervised in good housekeeping measures that can prevent

slips, trips and falls.

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PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS

3. Making walkways and other structures safe (e.g. scaffolds, fences)

The employer shall ensure that: walking surfaces and stairs inside

facilities are equipped with adequate lighting; stairs and ladders

are maintained in good condition with handrails in place; .

4. Guarding dangerous machines- by providing enclosures, safety

symbols surrounding such places.

Unauthorized persons should not be allowed to operate machinery.

In particular, children should be kept away from all agricultural

equipment.

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PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS

5. Technical aids for moving and lifting heavy loads

With regard to the use and maintenance of ladders, the employer

should ensure that appropriate, well-maintained equipment is

available and is appropriate to the task at hand. the use of

mechanical means to lift or lower heavy objects; and other

practices appropriate to the task at hand.

6. Safe tools and safety equipment for workers

Workers should use handholds when mounting and dismounting

equipment.

7.  Analysis of major hazard risks and provision of "redundant safety"

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MAINTAINING PREPAREDNESS TO FIRST AID AND PARTICIPATION IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

1. Providing first aid services at the workplace when appropriate

2. Introducing and training first aid practices to workers and supervisors

3. Maintaining and periodically inspecting the first aid readiness and

facilities

4. Participating from the health point of view in emergency planning and

organizing the health elements in emergency responseEmergency preparedness Date______________ Checklist

 Self-audit

Step 1

Step2 Step 3

Planning N/A Yes No Priority for action

What action is required

1. Does the workplace have an emergency response plan? 2. Does the workplace have established emergency escape routes and procedures? 3. Does the workplace have a trained first-aider(s)? 4. Does the workplace have basic rescue equipment and are workers trained to use it?

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DIAGNOSIS OF OCCUPATIONAL AND WORK-RELATED DISEASES

1. Identification of exposure which may cause the disease

2. Examination of clinical findings which are known to be associated with

the specific exposure (lists of occupational diseases)

3. Exclusion of non-occupational factors as a possible cause of disease

4. Conclusion on existence or non-existence of occupational disease

(diagnosis)

5. Statement on occupational disease for workmen's compensation

6. Proposals for preventive actions to the workplace of the worker in

concern

7. Notification of occupational diseases to authorities

 

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GENERAL HEALTH CARE, CURATIVE AND REHABILITATION SERVICES

1. Immunizations and other preventive measures

2. Participation in public health actions and programmes

3. GP-level general health services

4. Inspection and advice on canteens, sanitary facilities

5. Advice and education in general personal and community hygiene

6. Actions for rehabilitation and adjustment of work for workers after

injuries, diseases, reduced work ability and on return to work from long

sick leaves

7. General health promotion and introduction of healthy lifestyles

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RECORD KEEPING

1. General health record, if the workers are treated as patients or health

service clients

2. Data on surveyed, detected and measured occupational exposures

and risk assessments made

3. Statistics on occupational diseases and injuries

4. Data on health examinations

5. Documents on proposals for preventive and control measures

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EVALUATION

1. Evaluation is carried out as an inbuilt part of BOHS activity, at least

annually

2. Evaluation is made when the working methods, production structures

or other aspects at work are substantially changed

3. Evaluation is made if the methods or conditions of operation of

services are substantially changed

4. The following questions are answered through evaluation:

a) Do the services respond to the needs of the workplace?

b) Are the activities directed to priority problems?

c) Is good occupational health practice followed?

d) Are the resources, human and technical, sufficient?

e) Are the services effective in elimination of health problems?

f) What can be improved?

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Provision of BOHS

Primary health services model

Big company model with in-company services

Group services organized jointly, e.g. by several SMEs

Social security institution as a service provider

Private physician who has special competence in occupational health

Private health centre either providing occupational health services

only or occupational health as a part of its services

Local or regional outpatient clinic of hospitals

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AIMING FOR THIS

CHANGE

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References BOHS. a response to the Joint ILO/WHO Committee on Occupational Health

priority area for ILO/WHO/ICOH collaboration, with support of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH). Author: Professor Jorma Rantanen. 3rd, revised edition, Helsinki 28 September 2007

Safety and health in agriculture. Programme on safety, health and the environment. Labour Protection Department. ILO.

Code of practice on safety and health in agriculture .2010. INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE GENEVA.

Top on the agenda: Health and safety in agriculture. Labour Education 2000/ 1-2 Nos. 118/119. ILO

Health, Safety and Environment: A Series of Trade Union Education Manuals for Agricultural Workers Written by: Peter Hurst & Peter Kirby. ILO.

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Contributors Dr. Shwetha Marali, Senior Resident, Department of Community

Health, St. John’s Medical College Dr. Bobby Joseph, Professor and Head, Division of Occupational Health

Services of the same Department..