agricultural hazard awareness

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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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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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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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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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.


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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"


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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..