What occupational hazards exist in agricultural production

China, as a major agricultural country, has a wide range of agricultural activities that include traditional crop farming, forestry, animal husbandry, and aquaculture. These activities are influenced by seasonal changes, regional differences, and climate conditions. Additionally, the use of machinery, pesticides, and fertilizers has become an essential part of modern agriculture. However, these advancements also bring various occupational hazards that vary in type, region, and season.

1. Chemical Hazards

1) Pesticides are extensively used in farmlands, orchards, and tree farms. If farmers lack proper safety knowledge, misuse pesticides, or fail to take necessary protective measures, they may suffer from poisoning through contact with clothing, skin, or respiratory systems.

2) The effects of chemical fertilizers differ depending on the type and season. For instance, applying fertilizers in summer may lead to skin irritation, eczema, or dermatitis, while winter application can cause dry, cracked, and hardened skin.

3) Harmful gases such as carbon monoxide from tractors, carbon dioxide from vegetable plots, and toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide and methane from biogas digesters, septic tanks, and sewage wells can cause severe poisoning. In extreme cases, this can be fatal.

2. Physical Hazards

1) High temperatures and intense solar radiation during summer can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration due to excessive sweating. On the other hand, working in cold environments below -5°C for extended periods can weaken immunity, increasing the risk of colds, pneumonia, and musculoskeletal issues like neuritis and rheumatism. Frostbite is also common in exposed areas like hands, feet, face, and ears.

2) Noise and vibration from agricultural equipment such as tractors, water pumps, threshers, and electric grinders can cause hearing loss, as well as psychological stress, high blood pressure, and vibration-related diseases.

3) Dust from soil, plant materials, and mold is another common hazard. Exposure to wheat dust can irritate the skin, while cotton dust may cause respiratory problems, fever, and even pneumoconiosis. Hay dust can trigger sudden-onset illnesses with symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, and coughing, which can lead to long-term lung damage if not addressed.

3. Biological Hazards

A variety of zoonotic diseases, such as anthrax, brucellosis, and leptospirosis, are prevalent in agricultural settings. Animal bites from dogs or snakes, as well as contact with blistering agents, can cause serious injuries. Rice field dermatitis and hookworm infections are also common among workers in certain regions.

4. Other Occupational Risks

Heavy lifting, awkward postures, and repetitive tasks in agriculture often lead to musculoskeletal injuries, such as muscle strains and joint pain. Prolonged standing can result in varicose veins, and in severe cases, phlebitis. Women engaged in heavy labor may experience menstrual irregularities, uterine prolapse, or vaginal wall prolapse. Trauma is also a frequent issue in agricultural work due to the nature of the tasks involved.

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