Occupational Safety and Health in Agriculture- The BOHS Approach

Prepared in Public InterestPrepared in Public Interest

ByBy

Indian Association of Indian Association of Occupational HealthOccupational Health

April, 2013April, 2013

IAOH - 2013 2

DEFINATION OF AGRICULTURE

IAOH - 2013 3

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.

IAOH - 2013 4

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;

IAOH - 2013 5

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

IAOH - 2013 6

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.

IAOH - 2013 7

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

IAOH - 2013 8

BOHS MODEL

IAOH - 2013 9

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.

IAOH - 2013 10

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

IAOH - 2013 11

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).

IAOH - 2013 12

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

2. Assessment, where appropriate, of exposure of workers to

adverse psychological factors and aspects of work

organization

3. Assessment of risk of occupational accidents and major

hazards

4. Assessment of collective and personal protective equipment

5. Assessment of control systems designed to eliminate, prevent

or reduce exposure

6. Assessment of general hygiene and sanitary facilities

IAOH - 2013 13

Occupational Health Problems in Agriculture

IAOH - 2013 14

Occupational Health Problems in Agriculture

IAOH - 2013 16

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.

IAOH - 2013 17

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,

 

IAOH - 2013 18

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.

IAOH - 2013 19

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

IAOH - 2013 20

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

IAOH - 2013 21

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

IAOH - 2013 22

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

IAOH - 2013 23

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.

IAOH - 2013 24

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

IAOH - 2013 25

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.

IAOH - 2013 26

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

IAOH - 2013 27

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.

IAOH - 2013 28

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

IAOH - 2013 29

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

IAOH - 2013 30

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

IAOH - 2013 31

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?

IAOH - 2013 32

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

 

IAOH - 2013 33

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

IAOH - 2013 34

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

IAOH - 2013 35

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

IAOH - 2013 36

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?

IAOH - 2013 37

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

IAOH - 2013 38

AIMING FOR THIS

CHANGE

IAOH - 2013 39

IAOH - 2013 40

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.

IAOH - 2013 41

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..