Citation

McBain-Rigg KE, Franklin RC, King JC, Lower T. J. Agromed. 2017; 22(4): 347-357.

Affiliation

b The Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety , University of Sydney , Moree , New South Wales , Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1059924X.2017.1353935

PMID

28704139

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Improving the health and safety of those working in Australian agriculture and fishery industries is a recognized priority area for preventative activities. With Australian agricultural industries being among the nation's most dangerous workplaces, there is a need for action. While there are currently known solutions, their implementation is limited. Influential agents, that is, people who can influence others, are important for helping to engender action to enact solutions into practice.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines agents that influence safety behavior either negatively (barriers) or positively (facilitators), in the Australian agriculture and fishery industries.

METHODS: Focus groups were conducted with producers and industry representatives. Thematic analysis identified barriers and facilitators to improve health and safety. These were assessed against the Socioecological Model, which considers the various, and often intersecting, human (intrapersonal i.e. values and attitudes, peers, familial and cultural) factors influencing safety behavior.

RESULTS: Seven categories of human influences were identified: self, peers, family, intergenerational change, industry agents, government agents and other. Peers (including direct managers) and family were seen to be direct influencers. Individuals signal to others that safety is valued and important. This is reinforced by experience, skill, attitudes and behavior. Safety practice knowledge acquisition occurred via the family unit, specific training, industry or knowledge transfer between industries. Government influence predominately focused on legislation and while the source of this influence is distant, it does influence behavior.

CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS: There is a need to support comprehensive programs. These should include strengthening relationships via peer-to-peer networking, sharing information about safety initiatives, appropriate legislation, and enhancing leadership of all influencers in regards to safety.

Language: en

Keywords

Barriers and facilitators; Farm; Occupational health and safety; Qualitative research; health beliefs