Survey of occupational risks in the agricultural sector of northeastern Buenos Aires, Argentina

ABSTRACT

Due to the scarce antecedents and the need to contribute to professional training, the following objectives were proposed To study occupational hazards in the agricultural sector of the northeast of the province of Buenos Aires. To train students of the career of Higher Technician in Occupational Hygiene and Safety in the Workplace to carry out an investigation. A survey was carried out with 104 people of the local agricultural sector, during 2021 under the different modalities allowed by the coronavirus pandemics. The main risks surveyed were those related to the use of tractors and agricultural machinery, the use of agrochemicals, overexertion and exposure to climatic factors. A diversity of chemical products used was observed, which is directly related to the diversity of agricultural activities in the area. Training was scarce, with INTA being the main institution that carries out training in the region. The coronavirus pandemics had little impact on the activity, mainly in terms of less sales, difficulty in working according to protocols and loss of wages. There was agreement on the need for greater training and control by the authorities in terms of hygiene, safety and ergonomics in the field of agricultural work. With respect to the pedagogical objective sought, the research enabled the students to be trained for their future professional life. © 2022, Asociacion Argentina de Horticultura - ASAHO. All rights reserved.