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Occupational risk among orchard workers: a descriptive study.
Mary K Salazar1, Matthew Keifer, Maria Negrete
1Department of Psychosocial and Community Health, School of Nursing. msalazar@u.washington.edu
Family & Community Health
|June 17, 2005
Summary
Orchard workers face many occupational hazards, with falls from ladders causing the most injuries like strains and sprains. Understanding contributing factors is key to improving agricultural safety.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Agricultural Safety
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Orchard work presents significant occupational health and safety risks, leading to injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
- Understanding the specific hazards and contributing factors is crucial for developing effective safety interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and explore factors contributing to occupational risks in orchard work.
- To gain insights from the perspective of agricultural workers regarding their safety experiences.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving interviews with 25 Hispanic orchard workers.
- Exploration of common accidents, injuries, and their associated risk factors.
Main Results:
- Falls from ladders were reported as the most common type of accident.
- Strains and sprains were identified as the most frequent injuries.
- Three main categories of contributing factors emerged: Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors; Work-Related Factors; and Factors External to Work.
Conclusions:
- Occupational risks in orchard work are multifactorial, influenced by worker behavior, job conditions, and external elements.
- Addressing these identified factors is essential for enhancing the health and safety of orchard workers.