A model for safety and health promotion among Danish farmers

In 1999, a project concerning the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases was started in Vejle County, Denmark. The aim of the project was to increase the safety and health in farming. The project was based on a participatory strategy. The main principles were local involvement in designing the project, multifaceted activities for defined target-groups and respect for occupational skills and integrity. This multilevel approach involved individuals, groups and organisations. Activities were initiated and adjusted throughout the project. This interactive work remodeling the activities throughout the project period and method encouraged empowerment leaving experiences among the participants. Target groups included farmers, farmers' wives, agricultural advisors, agricultural school teachers, employees and part-time assistants. Activities included dialog-meetings, information meetings in larger and smaller groups, as well as designing of educational safety material, e.g., for children and employees. The project is run with a very low degree of central organisational activities, and is also a so called "bottom-up" project with a low budget. Evaluations are undertaken throughout the project period. If this concept can be implemented in Denmark, it may well be useful in other developed as well as less industrialized countries.