Factors affecting occupational health hazards among pineapple field workers in the province of Bukidnon

• Main Author: Estrada, Divorrah Canoy
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2005
• Subjects: Industrial safety; Occupational health services; Medical care; Agricultural laborers; Employee health promotion; Medicine and Health Sciences
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/3316; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_masteral/article/10154/viewcontent/TG03949_F_Partial.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This descriptive study looks into the types of occupational health hazards experienced among pineapple field workers in an agricultural company in the province of Bukidnon. It also examines whether these workers know the causes and prevention of the said hazards. The company's safety measures are also queried at the same time how workers comply these. It identifies what work-related conditions facilitate the occurrence of these hazards and how workers managed them. Fifty male pineapple field workers were interviewed in this quantitative study using a semi-structured interview schedule. In this study, three types of workers were identified. They were the planters, harvesters and seed collectors. Results show that workers understand the meaning of occupational hazards and associated it with the use of pesticides and chemicals. Their sources of understanding most come from their co-workers. Comparing the perceived and actual health hazards that were experienced, the findings were quite similar except that travel accidents in going to the area and accidents caused by machinery were not experienced. Most of the workers experienced pneumonia due to sun exposure during the whole day and being caught in the rain. Exposure to chemicals and pesticides is also mentioned but is found to be non-threatening because its effects are not yet evident. Workers are familiar with the company measures but only for the wearing of protective gears. The wearing of protective gears is reported to be the best way to prevent from health hazards. Work-related conditions may also facilitate the occurrence of these health hazards. However, no illnesses were reported yet. Provision of health benefit packages is not true to all because most are contractual workers. They prefer to self-medicate because effects of hazards especially with that of pesticide and chemical exposure were not yet felt. This resulted to low medical utilization. For those who seek help, most workers prefer public practitioners due to its accessibility and low fees.