Comprehension of Safety Pictograms Affixed to Agricultural Machinery among Pakistani Migrant Farmworkers in Italy

Abstract

Objectives: Safety pictograms are important graphic elements that are useful for rapidly conveying messages in workplaces. The purpose of this study was to investigate the comprehension of safety pictograms affixed to agricultural machinery among a group of Pakistani migrant farmworkers employed in Italy. Methods: Twenty-nine Pakistani migrant farmworkers employed on Italian farms were interviewed on the meanings attributed to 4 standardized safety pictograms affixed to agricultural machinery depicting the most frequent causes of farm accidents were assessed. Results: The results showed high variability in pictogram comprehension. None of the participants interpreted all the pictograms in accordance with the definitions provided by the international standards. Higher comprehension rates were reported for pictograms related to the risks of tractor rollover and foot injury, while pictograms referring to the need to consult a technical manual and the risk of entanglement yielded lower comprehension scores. Previous farming experience in the country of origin and the number of years of education were significantly associated with comprehension scores. Conclusion: A discussion of pictogram features that may be critical for comprehension is provided, and (re)design suggestions are given to improve the cross-cultural comprehension of these safety signs.

The Effect of Animation-Guided Mindfulness Meditation on the Promotion of Creativity, Flow and Affect

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Agricultural Tractor Roll-Over Related Fatalities in Italy: Results from a 12 Years Analysis

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Systemic racism and undocumented Latino migrant laborers during COVID-19: A narrative review and implications for improving occupational health

“…Strategies to promote safe practices and effective health communication to improve the safety of workers have been implemented in a variety of ways to focus on migrant workers’ needs and risks ( Vigoroso et al, 2020 ). During these challenges of the pandemic, there should be a priority to disseminate consistent messages, policies, and regulations based on scientific guidelines to prevent COVID-19 infection.…”