A field study on occupational health and safety of agricultural workers in hazelnut production: The case of Samsun province

The agricultural sector inherently poses significant health and safety risks for workers due to its labor-intensive nature, irregular employment patterns, and outdoor working conditions. This study was conducted using a descriptive survey model to examine the risks, current conditions, and awareness levels of agricultural workers engaged in hazelnut production in terms of occupational health and safety. This model aims to present the existing situation as it is. The research population consisted of agricultural workers involved in hazelnut farming in the province of Samsun, located in the Black Sea region of Turkey. The sample included 130 hazelnut agricultural workers who were accessed through convenience sampling from this population. The data were collected using a data collection form prepared by the researcher based on the literature and revised with expert opinions. The form included 26 questions related to the demographic information of hazelnut agricultural workers, their knowledge and experiences regarding occupational health and safety (OHS), accident history, use of personal protective equipment, and the use of "pat-pat" vehicles and other equipment. According to the data obtained from the study, 68.5% of the participants reported that they had not received occupational health and safety training, 52.3% stated that they used chemical substances, and 36.9% had experienced accidents involving pat-pat type vehicles. The research found that the lack of standardization in the agricultural equipment used—particularly the uncontrolled use of pat-pat vehicles—stood out as a major cause of work-related accidents. Based on the findings, the following measures are deemed essential to strengthen occupational health and safety practices in hazelnut farming: increasing regional inspections, promoting the use of personal protective equipment, making the licensing and certified operation of vehicles like pat-pats mandatory, and extending occupational health and safety training into the field.