Frequency of complications of falling from the walnut tree, as an occupational-seasonal injury

Abstract

Abstract:Background:Falling from a tree is one of the major causes of serious injuries in farmers but it can be prevented. Walnut is one of the most important agricultural products in Iran and falling from walnut trees is common during the season of harvest. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of complications due to falling from walnut tree in patients referred to the emergency department of Imam Ali Hospital in Bojnurd City, Iran.Methods:A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 127 patients with injuries due to falling from the walnut tree in Bojnurd City, Iran, in the walnut harvest season of August 2013 to November 2014. The tools used for data collection in this study included a demographic information form, checklists of information about the injury and the follow-up checklist of treatment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics by the SPSS software version 16. Results:From a total of 127 injured patients, 120 cases (94.4%) were males with a mean age of 36.49 ± 15.65 years. Five patients died on the day of admission. Eighty two patients (64.56%) were admitted in hospital wards. The most common type of injuries were trunk injuries (26.19%), followed by spinal cord injuries (18.1%). Also, 7 patients suffered from complete spinal cord injury.Conclusions:Injuries caused by falling from walnut trees are seasonal and impose large financial burden on our health system. In most cases, young men suffer from varying degrees of disability and experience financial problems. It is very important to train farmers and workers, so as to prevent such injuries.

Injury as a Threat To Health, Experiences of Falling From Trees in Farmers: A Qualitative Study

“…It was shown that farmers and farmworkers who have experienced health problems are more susceptible to falling from the trees (15). Similar to another study (16), the results of this study demonstrated that falling from walnut trees affected aging individuals who climbed the trees to harvest. Aging males who climb trees may be less cautious and more likely to have chronic diseases that affect their balance and physical condition due to their age.…”

“…Similar to another study in Iran (16), breaking branches was the main reason for falls in participants. Aging and diseases were the main causes of falling from other fruit trees (21).…”

“…It is challenging to estimate the exact number of people at risk of falling from walnut trees. Indeed, falling from trees is a common cause of fall-related injuries (14)(15)(16), and the main cause of falling from trees in Iran is the gathering method. Since the lives of most of the population depend on fruit trees, falling from trees is a significant occupational hazard in Iran.…”

“…Aging males who climb trees may be less cautious and more likely to have chronic diseases that affect their balance and physical condition due to their age. In addition, pollution with leopard moth pesticides in walnut trees can create a superficially healthy and thick but hollow branch that may break under the weight of the human body (16). Psychological factors such as anger and fatigue can also cause a loss of focus and increase the risk of falling.…”