INFLUENCE OF HARMFUL FACTORS OF THE WORKING AREA ON THE DEVELOPMENT TO OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES OF AGRICULTURAL WORKERS
Abstract
The article analyses the problems of occupational morbidity of agricultural workers, explores the impact of harmful work factors on employee health, and develops preventive measures to minimize occupational risks. The study analyses global and national statistics on occupational diseases, revealing discrepancies between official data and the real epidemiological situation. The World Health Organization estimates that 5% to 7% of global fatalities are related to occupational diseases, while in Ukraine only about 20 to 30 deaths per year are officially registered. The paper reveals a wide range of negative impacts on the health of agricultural workers, including respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, skin pathologies, and cancer risks. Particular attention is paid to the impact of organic dust, pesticides, unfavourable climatic conditions, vibration, and noise on the formation of occupational pathology. The study highlights the key problems of the industry: the lack of an effective labour protection system, imperfect medical supervision, especially in small farms, and low levels of workplace certification and preventive medical measures. The authors propose a comprehensive approach to solving the problem, which includes: improving technological processes; providing workers with personal protective equipment; conducting systematic medical examinations; introducing a risk-based approach; creating a unified information database; and strengthening preventive measures. The work is based on a comprehensive methodology that includes bibliographic analysis, a systematic approach, and statistical research methods. Materials from domestic and international scientific sources, including WHO and International Labor Organization reports, and statistical data from the State Labor Service of Ukraine, were used. The key emphasis of the work is on the need for an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to the study of occupational risks in agriculture, the introduction of modern occupational safety technologies, and continuous monitoring of workers’ health.
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