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Mohammadrezaei M, Meredith D, McNamara J. Telling Tales: Using Vignettes to Overcome Optimism Bias in Farm Health and Safety Attitudinal Studies. J Agromedicine 2024; 29:531-546. [PMID: 38888053 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2024.2365638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Measuring attitudes of farmers to safe farming practices using quantitative causal relationship approaches is central to improving understanding of (un)safe practices. This knowledge is important in the development of effective farm safety interventions. However, the accuracy of quantitative attitudinal studies in explaining farmers' decision-making faces a potential measurement challenge, i.e. a high level of optimism bias. In this paper, we present research that develops and tests farm safety attitudinal questions that are framed around "real-life" farming practices with the objective of reducing optimism bias. METHODS We apply construal level theory (CLT) to support the design of vignettes that reflect common risk scenarios faced by farmers. Applying qualitative analysis of 274 fatal farm incidents that occurred in Ireland between 2004 and 2018 we identify the occupational behaviors (what farmers do), social (who are farmers), spatial (where farming takes place), and temporal (when farming happens) dimensions of risks resulting in most deaths. The results informed subsequent co-design activities with farm safety experts and farm advisors to develop "real-life" scenarios, attitudinal questions, and response options. The questionnaire was piloted and subsequently implemented to collect data from a sample of 381 farmers with either tractors or livestock. The results of the survey were compared to previous attitudinal research on farmer's attitudes to safety in Ireland to establish if there was as follows: i) increased variance in the responses, and ii) a statistically significant difference in the attitudes of respondents compared to the results reported in previous studies. RESULTS The findings established that when farmers were provided with real-life scenarios, their responses were less optimistic and more varied, i.e. there was a greater range of responses, compared to previous studies. CONCLUSION Applying CTL to the development of attitudinal survey instruments anchors attitudinal questions within farming specific occupational, social, spatial, and temporal contexts. The use of vignettes that draw on real-life scenarios offers the potential for improved design of surveys that seek to understand farmer/worker practices. The results suggest that this approach can improve the measurement of attitudes to farm safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mohammadrezaei
- Rural Economy and Development Programme, Teagasc Food Research Centre Ashtown, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Meredith
- Rural Economy and Development Programme, Teagasc Food Research Centre Ashtown, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John McNamara
- Teagasc-Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Carlow, Ireland
- College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Tonchoy P, Singkaew P, Pudpong P, Auttama N. Work-Related Hazards and Perceived Confined-Space Health Risk : Understanding the Correlation with Mental Workload Among Farmers in Northern Thailand's Shallow Wells. J Agromedicine 2024; 29:461-476. [PMID: 38618909 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2024.2343405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined factors related to perceived health risks in confined spaces (PCSHR) and their correlation with the mental workload among farmers managing agricultural wells in northern Thailand. METHODS A cross-sectional, multi-stage sample of 356 farmers was selected from four rural districts' agricultural areas. Data were collected through interviews conducted from August to December 2022, using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The five-part questionnaire gathered demographic data, information on experiences and operations in agricultural wells, knowledge of confined spaces, PCSHR, and the six-dimension NASA Task Load Index (TLX) mental workload. Linear regression and multi-variable analyses were used to investigate factors associated with PCSHR, while Pearson correlations tested the association between PCSHR and mental workload variables. RESULTS Most farmers were male (92.4%), worked in wells to install pumping systems (81.7%) and maintain equipment (73.3%), averaging 3.80 times per year, with an average duration of 25.81 minutes. Physical symptoms reported included difficulty breathing (72.8%), feeling swelteringly hot (55.9%), and sweating excessively (27.8%), as well as accidents such as being struck by falling soil or objects (20.2%), and falling into the well while climbing down (14.9%). Farmers' perceived risk scores were high when working while physically exhausted or unprepared and when assisting an unconscious worker without knowing the gas concentration. In addition, the maximal mental workload scores were mental demand and effort subscale. Factors significantly associated with PCSHR (adj.R2 = 60.6%, p < .05) encompassed education higher than lower secondary level, current alcohol consumption, smaller well width, assisted operations, number of physical symptoms experienced, absence of environmental accidents, and confined space knowledge, while increased PCSHR was positively associated with mental workload (Overall r = 0.711, p < .01). CONCLUSION Comprehensive education about potential hazards can improve farmers' risk perception, potentially reducing mental workload and preventing fatal accidents. Field studies are recommended to develop community-specific work protocols and accurate measuring instruments suitable for rural settings are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakasit Tonchoy
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Pannawadee Singkaew
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Punyisa Pudpong
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Nisarat Auttama
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
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Qi X, Yao X, Cong X, Li S, Han M, Tao Z, Yang X, Qi X, Shi F, Wang S. Profile and risk factors in farmer injuries: a review based on Haddon matrix and 5 E's risk reduction strategy. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1322884. [PMID: 38903585 PMCID: PMC11187248 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1322884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Farmers are considered a high-risk group for intentional and unintentional injuries. This review identified significant risk factors for agricultural injuries in farmers and explored injury prevention countermeasures based on the literature. Therefore, CiteSpace software was used to analyze the relevant literature in this field. Additionally, we identified both key risk factors and countermeasures using the Haddon matrix and the 5 E's risk reduction strategies conceptual framework, respectively. The risk factors were identified from four categories (host, agent, physical environment, and social environment) corresponding to three phases (pre-event, event, and post-event). Interventions of 5 E's risk reduction strategies including education, engineering, enforcement, economic, and emergency response have been proven effective in preventing injuries or reducing their severity. Our findings provide a comprehensive foundation and research direction for the study and prevention of injuries among farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejie Qi
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xue Yao
- Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery, China Rongtong Medical and Health Group Zibo 148 Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Xianzhu Cong
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Mei Han
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zikun Tao
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xiao Qi
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Fuyan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Suzhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
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Silva Gomes V, Cardoso Júnior MM. The effect of sleepiness in situation awareness: A scoping review. Work 2024; 78:641-655. [PMID: 38277325 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Situational awareness is the acquisition of information from elements present in the work environment, the perception of the meaning of this information, and the prediction of future working conditions. Sleepiness and fatigue can influence an individual's ability to reach situation awareness, decision-making, and performance on a task. OBJECTIVE This scoping review examines methods used to assess situational awareness, fatigue, sleepiness, and their interrelationships. METHODS A systematic search of online databases was conducted to identify experimental, peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2017 and 2022. A total of 29 publications were selected for analysis. RESULTS The selected studies originated from various countries, primarily in the northern hemisphere. Health and automotive engineering were the academic categories with the highest publications. The studies employed objective and subjective methods to assess situational awareness, fatigue, and sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS Most studies reported a decline in situational awareness during fatigue and sleepiness conditions, although one study did not find this association. Future research should focus on employing objective methods to analyze cognitive factors, increasing sample sizes, and conducting testing in real-world situations.
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Summers JL, Peachey KL, Lower T. A Narrative Review of Fatigue in Agriculture and Its Impact on Injury and Fatality in Australia. J Agromedicine 2023; 28:621-639. [PMID: 37283032 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2023.2215221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify current knowledge about the role of fatigue in occupational injury in the agricultural sector and briefly assess potential intervention approaches. METHODS Narrative review of peer reviewed literature (in English) from 2010 to 2022 focusing on fatigue in agricultural and other sectors. Data were extracted from Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. RESULTS The initial search revealed 6,031 papers, of these 33 met the inclusion criteria. The literature unanimously agreed that fatigue contributes to occupational injury in agriculture and related industries. However, there was a scarcity of literature specific to Australia or agriculture. This limits the ability to draw conclusions about the true relationship between fatigue and injury. CONCLUSION While fatigue is likely a major contributor to occupational injury in Australian agriculture, the limited literature impedes the ability to draw conclusions and extrapolate interventions used by other industries that are practical and feasible, to agriculture. Future studies should establish the nature of the problem in Australian agriculture and consult with members of the sector to establish the best interventions to ameliorate the problem, then implement and robustly evaluate intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimi-Lee Summers
- AgHealth Australia, School of Rural Health, University of Sydney; Dubbo, Moree, NSW, Australia
| | - Kerri-Lynn Peachey
- AgHealth Australia, School of Rural Health, University of Sydney; Dubbo, Moree, NSW, Australia
| | - Tony Lower
- AgHealth Australia, School of Rural Health, University of Sydney; Dubbo, Moree, NSW, Australia
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Irwin A, Tone IR, Sedlar N. Developing a Prototype Behavioural Marker System for Farmer Non-Technical Skills (FLINTS). J Agromedicine 2023; 28:199-207. [PMID: 35722832 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2022.2089420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-technical skills, the social and cognitive skills thought necessary for safe and effective working, have been studied within the farming context over the past six years. However, these skills are not yet taught as part of a safety curriculum for farmers, due, in part, to a lack of defined framework and assessment system. The current paper describes the development of the FLINTS behavioral marker system for discussion, observation, evaluation and feedback on non-technical skills for farmers. METHOD The development of the behavioral marker system proceeded through three key stages. First, the current research knowledge on non-technical skills was synthesized to compile a list of non-technical skill categories and elements. Second, a series of discussion groups with subject matter experts was conducted to develop behavioral markers for each element. Lastly, refinement and review of the system was undertaken by academics and experts. RESULTS The prototype FLINTS taxonomy containing five non-technical skill categories and 16 elements was produced. The non-technical skill categories comprised situation awareness, teamwork & communication, leadership, task management and decision-making each with specific elements and behavioral markers. CONCLUSION FLINTS represents the first behavioral marker system for farmer non-technical skills, constructed through expert knowledge and advice via discussion and review groups, combined with underpinning research findings. This represents the first step towards the development of non-technical training and assessment for farmers. The current version of the FLINTS system is freely available to all potential users (https://research.abdn.ac.uk/nts-farming/flints/).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Irwin
- Applied Psychology and Human Factors Group, School of Psychology, William Guild Building, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - I-R Tone
- Applied Psychology and Human Factors Group, School of Psychology, William Guild Building, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - N Sedlar
- Applied Psychology and Human Factors Group, School of Psychology, William Guild Building, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
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Mohammadrezaei M, Meredith D, McNamara J, Kinsella J, Flannery S. Do social influences, awareness, or experience matter? Toward a better understanding of Farm-related Injury Risk Perception among agricultural science college students in Ireland. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1076332. [PMID: 36923033 PMCID: PMC10009155 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1076332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Formal farm safety education/training should be tailored, in terms of the approach, content and delivery, to students undertaking agriculture education and training to enhance Farm-related Injury Risk Perception (FIRP). To this end, this paper assesses factor(s) explaining or predicting levels of FIRP amongst students studying for a degree in agriculture science. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with a nationally representative sample of Bachelor of Agriculture Science (BAgrSc) students (N = 417) (aged 18-20) in Ireland. Descriptive [frequency and cross-tabulations) and inferential (Ordinal Logistic Regression (OLR)] analyses were applied to evaluate the effects of social influences, experience (of farming, of a near-miss or injury), and awareness (of others who were injured or killed on the farm) on FIRP. Results The study found that social influences negatively affected FIRP (P < 0.05). A relatively small number of students reported experiencing an injury (n = 56, 13.4%) that resulted in them being unable to participate in educational or social activities. A quarter of the respondents did, however, record experiencing a near-miss/close call (n = 106, 25.4%). A notable proportion (n = 144, 34.5%) of students had personal connections to someone who died as a consequence of a farm-related incident and 56.4% (n = 235) knew someone who was moderately or severely injured. OLR findings established that experiencing a severe injury, having a near-miss or close call, and awareness of a farm-related death or injury positively affects FIRP (P < 0.05). Conclusions Perception of farm risks amongst students in Ireland is low. Students who recorded higher levels of risk perception were, however, more likely to report experiencing a near-miss, close call or severe injury, or knowing someone who experienced a farm-related injury or fatality. Farmers, family or friends were found to negatively impact the FIRP and this reflects previous research findings. Our findings highlight the need for education and training programs to enhance opportunities for student peer-to-peer learning through sharing of experiences and/or knowledge of farm injuries and/or fatalities. Such activities will enhance awareness and understanding amongst the general population of students leading to increased FIRP and contribute to a reduction in risk-taking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mohammadrezaei
- Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Rural Economy Development Programme, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Meredith
- Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Rural Economy Development Programme, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John McNamara
- Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Farm Health and Safety Knowledge Transfer Unit, Kildalton Agricultural College, Kilkenny, Ireland
| | - James Kinsella
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Flannery
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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