Occupational prevalence with agricultural machinery related injuries among rice farmers in Bang Rakam district, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Problem considered</h3> Accidents are among the major occupational health hazards, and agricultural machinery is a significant cause of musculoskeletal injuries, including cuts, sprains, and strains, among agriculturists in Thailand. Due to the lack of information in the farmer accident database, this cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of agricultural machinery-related injuries among rice farmers in Thailand's Bang Rakam District of Phitsanulok Province. <h3>Methods</h3> Data were collected via in-person interviews with 294 rice farmers who used agricultural machinery at any stage of farming activities during the 2023 crop year. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: (1) general information about the farmers, (2) details of their work equipment and practices, and (3) information about injuries sustained during work. <h3>Results</h3> All participants reported experiencing work-related injuries. The machinery most associated with injuries was the walking tractor (41.8%) followed by the harvesting machine (13.3%). The most frequently injured body parts were the back and torso (21.8%), legs, and knees (19.0%), and hands and fingers (17.3%). Land preparation activities accounted for the highest proportion of injuries (56.1%) followed by pesticide application (31.6%). <h3>Conclusion</h3> This study highlights the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries among rice farmers, reflecting significant occupational health concerns in Thailand. The findings suggest a need to redesign agricultural machinery, particularly tractors, to enhance safety. Additionally, interventions and safety guidelines should be developed and implemented to prevent occupational accidents in the agricultural sector.