An intervention method for occupational safety in farming : evaluation of the effect and process

• In order to increase safety in Swedish farming an intervention methodology to influence attitudes and behaviour was tested. Eightyeight farmers and farm workers in nine groups gathered on seven occasions during 1 year. The basic concept was to create socially supportive networks and encourage discussions and reflection, focusing on risk manageability. Six of the groups made structured incident/accident analyses. Three of the latter groups also received information on risks and accident consequences. Effects were evaluated in a pre-post questionnaire using six-graded scales. A significant increase in safety activity and significant reduction in stress and risk acceptance was observed in the total sample. Risk perception and perceived risk manageability did not change. Analysing incidents/accidents, but not receiving information, showed a more positive outcome. Qualitative data indicated good feasibility and that the long duration of the intervention was perceived as necessary. The socially supportive network was reported as beneficial for the change process. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keyword

Attitude and behavioural change

Farming

Long-term safety intervention

Agriculture

Behavioral research

Risk management

Incident/accident analyses

Intervention method

Risk acceptance

Risk manageability

Occupational risks

accident

adult

agricultural worker

article

controlled study

feasibility study

female

human

information

intervention study

male

normal human

occupational safety

perception

questionnaire

rating scale

safety

social support

statistical significance

stress

structure analysis

Accident Prevention

Group Structure

Humans

Occupational Health

Program Evaluation

Sweden

Teaching

Behavior

Occupational Diseases

O Social sciences and law

O Social sciences and law

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)