Assessment of occupational accidents involved in agricultural tools and machinery in terms of occupational health and safety case study of Bayburt

This study aims to evaluate work accidents caused by agricultural tools and machinery in terms of occupational health and safety in the province of Bayburt, Türkiye. Due to its structural characteristics, the agricultural sector involves high-risk conditions stemming from open-field operations, seasonal labor, low mechanization levels, and widespread use of family labor. Most of these risks arise from tractor rollovers, mechanical failures, operator errors, unsuitable terrain conditions, and lack of training. The study population consists of farmers operating in Bayburt and its districts. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 200 farmers who had either experienced or witnessed an agricultural machinery-related accident. A structured questionnaire was used as the data collection tool, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software. The findings revealed that safety measures during the use of agricultural machinery are often neglected, maintenance and repair procedures are largely insufficient, and lack of education significantly increases the risk of accidents. As a result, the study highlights the necessity of organizing awareness-raising training on the safe use of agricultural machinery, promoting the use of personal protective equipment, and implementing technical improvements in tractors. It is also concluded that conducting region-specific risk assessments, especially in provinces like Bayburt where small-scale agricultural production is dominant, would contribute significantly to the reduction of occupational accidents.