Abstract

PAUNERO, Ignacio E. et al. Identifying the primary types of accidents that occur to horticultural workers in Argentina. agric. soc. desarro [online]. 2009, vol.6, n.2, pp.177-182. ISSN 1870-5472.

There are precedents regarding the incorrect use of agrichemicals and the precarious life conditions of Argentine horticultural workers. The objective of this study was to identify the primary types of accidents in this group of workers. The horticultural belt in Gran La Plata was used as witness area. Through surveys carried out with producers and interviews done with qualified informants, the following was evaluated: types of accidents, situations where they occur, body areas affected, and seriousness of the lesions. We investigated who recommends the treatments with agrichemicals, and the availability of personal protection elements (PPE). From the surveys carried out, data show that 52% of the accidents were produced by intoxication from the use of agrichemicals. Most areas of the body were affected. In 19% of the cases, hospitalization was necessary. In the use of agrichemicals, 35% of those polled received technical advice and the rest consulted mainly the sellers. Only 20% had complete PPE, and 35% indicated they don't use them. There is an agreement among qualified informants regarding the greater probability of accidents while applying agrichemicals, performing manual labor and using the tractor.

Keywords : Agrichemicals; horticulture; lesions; risks; labor.

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