Workloads and occupational accidents in a rural environment

Abstract

This study’s objective was to identify the types of workload accruing from agricultural work that are recognized by farmworkers and to verify occupational accidents in two rural environments. This quantitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted with 259 farmworkers in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, Person’s Chi-Square test, and coefficient of contingency were used. The workloads most frequently reported by farmers were heat, fungi, chemicals, dust, repetitive movements, heavy load-lifting, and inappropriate postures. Most accidents occurred with farm implements followed by falls. Significant associations were found among different isntruments and accidents. The results suggest the need for investment in health actions in rural environments to prevent or minimize work-related accidents and diseases so that nurses can contribute in a broad and efficient manner.