Work exposures and mental and musculoskeletal symptoms in organic farming

This study focussed on harmful exposures and mental and musculoskeletal symptoms in organic and conventional farming using interview data of Finnish farmers over the winter of 2014-2015. The data consisted of 2,169 full-time farmers, out of whom 231 (11%) practiced organic farming and 1,938 (89%) conventional farming. Exposure to poisonous and irritating substances was less frequent while exposures to vibration and mould ('smell of root cellar') were more frequent on organic farms. Mental and musculoskeletal symptoms were slightly more common among organic farmers, but the associations were not statistically significant in regression modelling. Risk factors for mental symptoms included animal production, hired labour, female gender, constant hurry, working alone, economic uncertainty, and inadequate recovery from workdays. Risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms included older age, female gender, constant hurry, economic uncertainty, difficult working postures, heavy lifting and carrying, and inadequate recovery. Workload and recovery, managing the transition period and better follow-up of the occupational well-being were identified as concerns among organic farmers. Practitioner summary: Converting from conventional to organic farming has become increasingly common. Farmer interviews indicated that exposure to poisonous and irritating substances was less frequent while exposures to vibration and mould were more frequent on organic farms. Mental and musculoskeletal symptoms and risk factors were similar in both types of farming.

Experiences and Challenges of Foreign Agricultural Workers in Finland

Highlights

Abstract. Foreign workers have become an important part of the workforce on horticulture and livestock farms in Finland. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of foreign workers regarding their working and living conditions. We conducted semi-structured theme interviews during two time periods: in 2008-2009 (n = 40 workers on eight farms) and again in 2018-2019 (n = 9 workers on four farms). We found variations in expectations and goals among workers when they take a job abroad. Compelling factors in the origin country included unemployment, low wages, and low standards of living, and enticing factors in the destination country included social relationships and expectations of better income. Personal networks had a strong role in the recruiting processes. Work on farms is physically demanding, and being a foreign worker affects social life in many ways, such as being separated from family and facing pressures from the home community to arrange jobs for others. New communication technologies have improved possibilities to stay in contact. Employers could contribute to better working and living conditions for foreign workers by improving work organization, ergonomics at work, orientation of new workers, and continued training of supervisors. Worker orientation and training should be carefully planned, taking into consideration the limited language skills, work competence requirements, and possibilities for career advancement of the workers. Keywords: Descriptive study, Foreign farm workers, Horticulture, Occupational safety.

Factors associated with farmers joining occupational health services

BACKGROUND

Agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations in the world. The aim of an occupational health service (OHS) is to reduce the risk of work-related diseases, occupational diseases and injuries and to promote workers' health. In Finland, they are part of the public health care system, but for farmers OHS is voluntary.

AIMS

To explore factors associated with farmers joining farmers' occupational health services (FOHS). This knowledge is important for improving the coverage of FOHS and to motivate farmers to join.

METHODS

In 2004 and 2005, we interviewed a total of 1182 full-time farmers aged 18-64, chosen randomly from the register of the Information Centre of the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry in Finland (Tike). A stepwise multivariate logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with their joining FOHS.

RESULTS

Among both genders, chronic illnesses, farm size and opinion on whether membership of FOHS should be obligatory were predictors of farmers joining FOHS. Among male farmers, the production sector, the existence of a quality system on the farm and vocational education were associated with interest in joining. Among female farmers, interest was associated with physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Emphasizing FOHS constitutes a preventive approach. All farmers should be motivated by FOHS to become aware of issues concerning safety and health at work. The potential channels for increasing its awareness are vocational education, quality systems and support from farmers who are already members.