Health Risk Assessment of Tomato Seed Production at Ban Lardnaphieng, Sawatee Sub‐District, of theMunicipality District, of the Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to assess the health risks of farmers from planting
tomatoes for hybrid seed production. The individuals for this study were sampled
from farmers who planted tomato at Ban Lardnaphieng, Sawatee sub‐district,
municipality district of the Khon Kaen province. 127 farmers were selected purposively
by using a standard risk assessment procedure. Health hazards for tomato farmers
were excessive heat from the sun during farming; and damaging work postures
including long periods of bending backs and heads and repetitive hand and wrist
movements. Risk assessment found that most of the physical risks can be
accounted to heat from the sun and from dampness (humidity and perspiration)
during long working periods. Both risks are of moderate intensity. Biological risks
are mainly due to moderate exposure to fungus. Chemical risks arise mainly from
exposure to pesticides and fungicides. The ergonomics risks are mostly from working
with repetitive inappropriate posture. Reducing these risks will require the
provision of appropriate preventative measures. The study indicated that the most
significant risk management approaches should include surveillance and health
promotion by relevant agencies; along with tracking the use of personal protective
equipment on a regular basis, training needs to be given to provide ergonomic
knowledge on how to reduce muscle fatigue in repetitive work of this kind so as to
promote farmer health.