Health and Safety in Organic Farming: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore health and safety issues in organic farming, particularly among small farmers in central New Mexico. Methods: Participants included 10 certified organic producers and 20 workers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observations. Results: The sample consisted of a young, educated, low experienced population that may differ from conventional farmers. Both producers and workers seemed to be aware of the health risks involved with small-scale farming. Producers presented mixed attitudes toward health and safety, while the attitudes of workers were more systematically negative. Perception of risk was generally lower among workers compared to producers. Although health and safety training was not specifically mentioned, most participants seemed to understand the relevance of the work environment for health and safety. Regarding ergonomics, the physical demands of working for long hours and the necessity to perform a multitude of tasks that contribute to physical stress were issues of concern. Conclusions: This is one of the few studies in the United States exploring health and safety among organic farmers. Although participants reported very few actual incidents, the study identified relevant intrapersonal and behavioral factors that may increase or reduce the risk for disease and injury. Results also indicate the need for research that focuses on the psychosocial and contextual factors that may contribute to injury and disease among organic farmers.

KEYWORDS:

• Agricultural injuries
• health and injury
• occupational health
• organic agriculture
• sustainable agriculture

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Cornelio Candelaria Organics; AgriCultura Network/La Cosecha CSA; Farm to Table; NMDA/NM State University Organic Program; and all farmers who participated and supported the study.

Funding

This project was supported by Cooperative Agreement No. U54-OH7541. CFDA # 93.262, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC-NIOSH), Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education (SW Ag Center) 2013-2014 Feasibility Study Program. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH.

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by Cooperative Agreement No. U54-OH7541. CFDA # 93.262, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC-NIOSH), Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education (SW Ag Center) 2013-2014 Feasibility Study Program. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH.