Agricultural Dust Exposures and Health and Safety Practices among Western Australian Wheatbelt Farmers during Harvest

Krassi Rumchev, Suzanne Gilbey, Ryan Mead-Hunter, Linda Selvey, Kevin Netto and Ben Mullins
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Krassi Rumchev: School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth 6148, Australia
Suzanne Gilbey: School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth 6148, Australia
Ryan Mead-Hunter: School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth 6148, Australia
Linda Selvey: School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth 6148, Australia
Kevin Netto: School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth 6148, Australia
Ben Mullins: School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth 6148, Australia

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-13

Abstract: Background: Agricultural farmworkers are routinely exposed to high levels of airborne dust particles that have been linked to adverse health outcomes. Methods: This study measured personal and environmental exposures to dust particulates by farmworkers during harvesting activities. Farmers completed a workplace survey with regards to their health and safety awareness and practices and researchers observed general farm safety practices on selected farms using a checklist. Results: In this study, farmers were noted to commonly work extended hours and shifts during harvest due to rigid timing deadlines. Results showed that 40% of farmers were exposed to concentrations of inhalable particles greater than SafeWork Australia’s workplace exposure standards for grain dusts, assuming a 16 h working day over 5 shifts. Twenty-two percent were exposed to concentrations that were above the adjusted standard for 12 h shifts. Survey results showed that three-quarters of farm owners provided new workers with some type of induction related to farm safety, however this was mostly undertaken in an arbitrary manner. Despite noting that farming was a dusty occupation and reporting to use protective measures to reduce harmful dust exposures, no workers were observed to wear respiratory protection when working outside of the protection of a vehicle cabin. Conclusion: This study identified substantial gaps in health and safety knowledge among farm managers and workers, and improved education and training are highly recommended.

Keywords: particulate matter; agriculture; exposure; health and safety; farming; control measures; Australia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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