Occupational safety and health in agriculture- The BOHS approach BOHS series
Dec 25, 2015
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..