Occupational and Environmental Health Situations among Corn Farmers
Keywords:
Occupational health hazard, Work-related illness and injuryAbstract
Working context is an essence health determinant regarding environment, affecting worker health. This descriptive study was designed aiming to analyze the situation of occupational and environmental health among 339 corn farmers working in Chiang Mai province. This sample was chosen purposively. Data collection was conducted using an interview form which had been confirmed the quality, CVI= 0.99 and acceptable reliability level (0.80-0.94). Obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
The main findings reflected the most significant workplace hazards were physical hazards: heat (99.7%) and over light (96.2%); chemical hazards which were corn dust (96.2%) and pesticide (87.6%); ergonomic hazards including awkward and repetitive postures, and prolonged sitting (95.0-98.2%); and psychosocial hazards, secure income (91.2%). Unsafe working condition was identified as sharpen tools (99.4%). Concerning work-related illnesses, the most common ailments possibly related to workplace hazards included musculoskeletal disorders (80.2%), and work-related stress (76.7%). Work-related injuries during the past three month were 11.2%, which were non-fatal injuries. The injury causation was related to sharp objects (48.5%).
These findings indicate that occupational health team should place a great concern on risk communication and adverse health outcome including arrangement of occupational health service, and environmental and health surveillance. Management strategy for musculoskeletal disorders and stress related to work need to be developed to enrich working product and quality of working life among corn farmers.
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