What occupational hazards exist in agricultural production

China is a major agricultural country, where farming activities encompass traditional crop cultivation, forestry, animal husbandry, and aquaculture. These operations are influenced by seasonal changes, regional differences, and climate conditions. Additionally, the use of agricultural machinery, pesticides, and fertilizers has become widespread, introducing various occupational hazards that vary in nature and impact depending on the region and time of year.

1. Chemical Hazards

1) Pesticides are widely used in farmland, orchards, and tree farms. Improper handling, lack of safety knowledge, or inadequate personal protection can lead to poisoning through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. This can result in serious health issues such as respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even poisoning.

2) The effects of chemical fertilizers vary depending on the type and season. In summer, they may cause skin rashes or eczema, while in winter, they can lead to dry, cracked skin due to increased keratinization.

3) Harmful gases like carbon monoxide from tractors, carbon dioxide from greenhouses, and hydrogen sulfide or methane from biogas digesters, septic tanks, and sewage wells pose serious risks. Exposure to these gases can cause "electric shock" poisoning, which can be fatal in severe cases.

2. Physical Hazards

1) Extreme temperatures during fieldwork can have significant impacts on health. High temperatures in summer can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. Conversely, prolonged exposure to cold environments below -5°C in winter can weaken immunity, increasing the risk of colds, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases. Frostbite is also common among exposed areas like hands, feet, face, and ears, potentially leading to severe tissue damage or gangrene.

2) Agricultural equipment such as tractors, water pumps, threshers, and electric grinders generate noise and vibration. Prolonged exposure can lead to hearing loss, as well as other health issues such as high blood pressure, nervous exhaustion, and vibration-related illnesses.

3) Dust from soil, plants, and mold is another major concern. For example, wheat dust can irritate the skin, while cotton dust may cause respiratory problems, fever, and coughing. Hay dust can trigger sudden-onset symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, and dry cough. Repeated exposure may lead to chronic lung disease and reduced work capacity.

3. Biological Hazards

Many infectious diseases affect both humans and animals, including anthrax, brucellosis, and leptospirosis. Insects, snakes, and blister-causing organisms can also pose threats. Rice field dermatitis is common among rice farmers, and hookworm infections are prevalent in endemic regions.

4. Other Occupational Risks

Heavy lifting and awkward postures in agricultural labor often lead to musculoskeletal injuries, such as muscle strains and chronic back pain. Long periods of standing can cause varicose veins, and in severe cases, phlebitis. Women engaged in heavy physical labor may experience menstrual irregularities or uterine prolapse. Additionally, trauma is a frequent injury in agricultural settings, especially when working with tools or machinery.

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