Title: An occupational health and safety programme for crop farm workers in the Mangaung municipal district, Free State

Authors: Carien Weyers

Addresses: School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Free State, Private Bag X 20539, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa

Abstract: The occupational hygiene of South African farm workers have been largely neglected because of the emphasis specifically put on the industrial environment. The aim of the study was to compile an applicable occupational hygiene programme for Mangaung crop farm workers. Twenty-five farms were selected and a list that included the different farm activities, number of workers and work hours was completed. A Hazard Identification Risk Assessment was compiled and completed to rate the identified health and safety risks. The results of the study indicated that the main activities executed on the farms were preparation and ploughing of land, planting of crops, application of pesticides and harvesting of crops. An applicable overall occupational hygiene programme was compiled. The designed occupational hygiene programme may thus now be implemented with applicable education and training.

Keywords: farm workers; hazard identification; risk assessment; occupational hygiene; occupational health and safety; South Africa.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2009.023709

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2009 Vol.8 No.1, pp.10 - 22

Published online: 08 Mar 2009 *

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