Abstract
Background
Farmers in the U.S. and in Europe are at a high risk for injury and illness. Farmers have an increased risk of respiratory disease, noise-induced hearing loss, skin disorders, and eye injuries. Many of these health risks can be prevented or reduced through proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). However, studies show low compliance of PPE use among farmers. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to wearing PPE, and current health and safety training as potential targets for future intervention, in farmers in Nebraska, Lithuania, Latvia, and Slovenia. The European Cooperation in Science and Technology and the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health collaborated on this study.
Methods
We administered a 7-item questionnaire to 57 farmers in Nebraska (n = 10), Lithuania (n = 22), Latvia (n = 10) and Slovenia (n = 15). The farmers primarily grew crops (corn, soy) and some raised livestock.
Results
We found that gloves, respirators, and safety glasses were the PPE most commonly worn; use of face shields were only reported in Nebraska and Lithuania. Only 45% reported wearing PPE always when they needed them. In Nebraska and Latvia, most farmers reported not wearing PPE because they are not readily available although they have them on the farm; in Lithuania and Slovenia, farmers cited time to don PPE and discomfort as primary reasons. The percentage of farmers who reported receiving training on the selection, use, and maintenance of PPE varied widely-13% in Nebraska, 14% in Lithuania, 40% in Latvia, and 67% in Slovenia. Farmers purchased PPE over the internet, supermarkets, and agricultural cooperatives.
Conclusions
This study provided an opportunity to understand current perceptions of PPE use and challenges, among a cross section of farmers in the U.S. and Europe. We recommend enhancing training through creative modules to address the needs of farmers.
Key messages
By identifying why farmers do not always wear PPE, we can design effective interventions to overcome this barrier; by knowing where they purchase them, we can provide education at these venues. This study is a joint collaboration between U.S. and European researchers. This global cooperation has highlighted some similarities but also differences within European countries.
Issues of Agricultural Safety and Health
