Evaluación de las condiciones de trabajo y factores de riesgo en cultivadores de guayaba del Municipio de Vélez, Santander, 2018

Abstract

The continuous exposure of farmers to various risk factors associated with the tasks they perform within the process of cultivation of guava, can trigger the emergence of occupational illness and accidents at work. The objective of the study was evaluate working conditions and occupational risk factors that impact guava growers in the municipality of Vélez, Santander. The research was developed using a qualitative and quantitative methodological approach, with an analytical empiric method, descriptive observational, in the municipality of Vélez, department of Santander, 66 working units were visited and a survey was applied to 100 farmers, their working, health and housing conditions were determined, and risk factors were evaluated. The following risk factors were obtained within the level of risk “Not acceptable”, concluding there has to be an immediate intervention of the following: prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, manual handling of heavy loads, repetitive movements of upper limbs, prolonged body postures, operation of machines, manual tools and farming equipment, inappropriate handling and storage of agrochemical products, workload, monotony and repeatability of tasks, work shifts, work pace and work schedules, inhalation of particulate matter and the exposure to liquids and solids. Agricultural activities in the municipality of Vélez, gather the characteristic of the informal tasks involved in said job. 65% of the workers surveyed have suffered some type work related accident during the past year, this rate points the incidence of risk factors for the occurrence of accidents at work.