Tractor safety and related injuries in Iranian farms

摘要

BackgroundSeveral thousand worker injuries and fatalities worldwide per year is the consequence of agricultural activities especially working with farm tractors. The aim of this study was to determine current levels of farm tractors drivers' safety attitudes in Iranian agriculture besides type and severity of tractor-related injuries. MethodSocio-demographic properties of a sample of 281 tractor drivers and their injuries were investigated using face to face interview. The severity of injuries were also determined. The drivers' attitudes toward safety issues were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis. ResultsThe results revealed that drivers aged 30–45?years had higher rates of injuries. Most of injuries were moderate (41%) occurring due mainly to oily surfaces on the tractor or implements, carelessness or fatigue during the work. The low-income group had also higher injuries since the drivers in this group work with no regular work-rest schedule and they usually work with old tractors equipped with unsafe facilities. Those that do comply with safety measures are likely to have fewer exposures to unsafe work practices and consequence injuries. Further education of tractors drivers in various aspects of farm safety besides enforced regulations to adjust safety issues are the possible approaches to prevent tractor-related injuries.