Occupational Health and Safety in Beekeeping: An Analysis of Bayburt and the Upper Çoruh Valley

Beekeeping is an agricultural activity closely intertwined with nature and involves various occupational risk factors. This study examines stationary and migratory beekeepers' occupational health and safety risks in the Bayburt and Upper Çoruh Valley regions. The research evaluates the chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks beekeepers face and analyses their potential adverse effects on beekeepers’ health and public health. It is noted that the use of antibiotics and pesticides poses a risk of residue in honey, potentially affecting the food chain and leading to occupational diseases. Using the Fine-Kinney risk analysis method, evaluations were conducted in 13 apiaries, identifying 17 risks: 5 ergonomic, 4 physical, 6 chemical, and 2 biological. Among these risks, heavy lifting and repetitive movements were prominent in terms of ergonomic risks, pesticide and antibiotic use in terms of chemical risks, apiary site safety and traffic accidents in terms of physical risks, and bee stings and wild animal attacks in terms of biological risks. The study emphasises the need to enhance occupational health and safety measures in the beekeeping sector and to adopt more modern production methods.