Of those measured 51%, and by extrapolation 163 000 Australian agricultural workers, have noise exposure levels greater than the recommended Australian Standard of 1.01 Pa(2)h (85 dB). Men and women are equally exposed. On-farm noise audit reports are an effective feedback to increase awareness and improve hearing health.
Background Farmers and rural populations have increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and suicide compared to general Australians. They also encounter problems of equitable access of expertise, exacerbated by large distances. If risk factors are identified or prevented then better health outcomes should follow for this high risk group. There is also a lack of cultural competence in health professionals around agricultural work, and its occupational and lifestyle risks. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted across rural Australia on 1697 participants during 2009-2016 at agricultural events to explore the behavioural, cardiovascular and diabetes risks among the farming community. Study participants were >18 years of age, spoke English and were involved/associated with farming. Diabetes risk was assessed by the validated AUSDRISK tool and cardiovascular risk through a 20 min one-on-one assessment-anthropometric measures, blood cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, psychosocial distress, and waist measurement. Participants were provided with health information relevant to their risks and also recommended for further follow up. Results Mean age was 53 (±15.5) years, 62% was male and 58% were farmers/agricultural workers. More than two-thirds (73%) were overweight/obese; no difference between farmers and non-farmers. Males were more likely to undertake short term risky alcohol use compared to females (62% vs 46%), although both were higher than Australian rates. 55% were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 years; males (90% vs 79%, RR1.14, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.20) and farmers (88% vs 83%) were at increased risk. Hypertension (!140/90 mmHg) was 44% and more common in males and farmers.In 2016, a random selection (150) were contacted to evaluate change in their behaviours and engagement with health practitioners since the intervention with surprising outcomes. Conclusion Health surveillance and occupationally sensitive placed-based interventions for farming/rural populations should be the primary focus for health promotion strategies.
A significant portion of on-farm deaths and injuries in Australia occur among young people working on the farm. Since most Australian farms are still family owned and operated, young people are an integral part of everyday operations and the farm is a place where these young people live, work and play. This paper describes how the international Gear Up for Ag Health and Safety™ program, originally developed in North America, was further developed for a younger Australian audience (ages 12–19) enrolled in agricultural programs at secondary or vocational schools. In addition, we share insight on demographics, self-reported farm safety behaviours, and the most common farm tasks being performed by program participants utilising a pre-survey originally developed for program customisation. Of particular importance were the most common farming tasks reported by this group. The most common tasks performed on Australian farms included a large variety of vehicle use (farm vehicles, motorbikes, and quadbikes) and handling livestock. Females reported operating vehicles and other farm equipment at the same rates as males. Males were more likely to be working with large heavy machinery and driving trucks, while females were more likely to be working with livestock and using horses for stockwork. Both males and females reported low use of PPE and poor safety habits. In future Australian programs, it will be important to address the conspicuous use of motor vehicles, quadbikes, motor bikes and machinery at early ages, and to target gender-specific tasks to reduce risks on the farm.
BackgroundFarmers and rural populations have increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and suicide compared to general Australians. They also encounter problems of equitable access of expertise, exacerbated by large distances. If risk factors are identified or prevented then better health outcomes should follow for this high risk group. There is also a lack of cultural competence in health professionals around agricultural work, and its occupational and lifestyle risks.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted across rural Australia on 1697 participants during 2009–2016 at agricultural events to explore the behavioural, cardiovascular and diabetes risks among the farming community. Study participants were >18 years of age, spoke English and were involved/associated with farming. Diabetes risk was assessed by the validated AUSDRISK tool and cardiovascular risk through a 20 min one- on- one assessment—anthropometric measures, blood cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, psychosocial distress, and waist measurement. Participants were provided with health information relevant to their risks and also recommended for further follow up.ResultsMean age was 53 (±15.5) years, 62% was male and 58% were farmers/agricultural workers. More than two-thirds (73%) were overweight/obese; no difference between farmers and non-farmers. Males were more likely to undertake short term risky alcohol use compared to females (62% vs 46%), although both were higher than Australian rates. 55% were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 years; males (90% vs 79%, RR1.14, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.20) and farmers (88% vs 83%) were at increased risk. Hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) was 44% and more common in males and farmers.In 2016, a random selection (150) were contacted to evaluate change in their behaviours and engagement with health practitioners since the intervention with surprising outcomes.ConclusionHealth surveillance and occupationally sensitive placed-based interventions for farming/rural populations should be the primary focus for health promotion strategies.
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