Occupational hazard exposures and its effect on the mental health amongst farmworkers at Maruleng Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Background: Agricultural industry plays a vital role in ensuring food security and alleviating hunger by supplying food and other agricultural products to the world population. The use of machinery and pesticides to boost production exposes farmworkers to various occupational hazards. These exposures often result in occupational injuries and illnesses, including leg and arm injuries, respiratory problems, and chemical poisoning. Exposure to unsafe working conditions may result in mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression. The persistent rise in occupational injuries and illnesses within the agricultural industry highlights significant shortcomings and inefficiencies in the implementation of effective preventative measures. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to explore occupational hazard exposures and its effect on the mental health amongst farmworkers at the farms in Maruleng Municipality, Limpopo Province. Methods: Qualitative research approach with phenomenological research design was adopted. In-depth individual face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 farmworkers, with the sample size determined by data saturation. The interviews were guided by a central question, followed by subsequent probing questions from the interview schedule. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using Tech’s eight -step open-coding method. Results: The findings indicate that farmworkers at Maruleng are exposed to various occupational hazards, including pesticides, machinery-related hazards, and noise from farm machinery/equipment. Workers were expose to pesticides through inhalation or ingestion during spraying and they experience nausea and dizziness. Tractor accidents, including rollover, were reported as machinery-related hazards on the farms. Farmworkers also experience psychological strain due to unsafe working conditions at the farms. Employers neglect workers by not providing adequate and sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for their protection. Moreover, mental health services for farmworkers are lacking, and availability of mental health facilities are inaccessible due to distance. Conclusion: The study concludes that lack of farm machinery maintenance, employer negligence, inadequate and sufficient PPE, and lack of support and inaccessible mental health services compromise the health and safety of farmworkers in Maruleng Municipality. Workers should be provided with adequate PPE, proper training on health and safety, and support to address mental health challenges through employee assistant programs. There should be consistent monitoring of working conditions on the farms to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards.