The Effect of Occupational Health and Safety Education on Hazelnut Agriculture Workers' Knowledge Levels Related to Physical and Ergonomic Hazards

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed at identifying dangers and risks encountered by hazelnut farm workers and exploring the effect of occupational health and safety training about hazelnut farming upon the workers’ knowledge level. Materials and Methods: In this research, which was conducted as an intervention study, the pre-test post-test single-group research pattern was used. Training and brochures were given to 60 hazelnut agriculture employees selected using a random sampling method after the pretest. The change in the current knowledge score was examined statistically with the last test application two weeks later. Results: 53.3% of the participants were male and their average age was 43.0±14.4 years. 60.0% of the participants stated that they had accidents while they were engaged in hazelnut farming and 71.7% of them did not have any training about occupational health and safety previously. Participants’ score of knowledge about physical dangers and risks as to occupational health and safety was 62.7±17.8 before the training while it significantly increased to 79.3±16.3 after the training. It was seen that after the training held; having a previous training, having high educational status, having no accidents previously and being at a young age affected post-test scores significantly. Conclusion: In the study, it was explored that hazelnut farming workers in Trabzon Province lacked knowledge about physical and ergonomic risks in relation to occupational health and safety. For the trainings of the workers; universities, provincial and district directorates of agriculture and agriculture cooperatives can be used.