agricultural hazard awareness
TRANSCRIPT
Occupational Safety and Health in Agriculture- The BOHS Approach
Prepared in Public InterestBy
Indian Association of Occupational Health
April, 2013
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DEFINATION 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 AGRICULTURE
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;
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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.
SPECIFIC FEATURES OF AGRICULTURAL WORK
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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 ENVIRONMENT
2. 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 biopreparations Biological hazards Zoo-Anthroponoses
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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
biopreparations
Biological hazards
Zoo-Anthroponoses
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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 RISKS
The 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 ACTIONS
The 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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4. 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.
INFORMATION AND EDUCATION ON RISKS AND ADVICE ON THE NEED FOR PREVENTIVE
AND CONTROL ACTIONS
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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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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.
PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS
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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"
PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS
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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 response
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MAINTAINING PREPAREDNESS TO FIRST AID AND PARTICIPATION IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Emergency 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
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EVALUATION
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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ROVISION 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..