An Online Survey of Occupational Hazards in Brazilian Aquaculture

Citation

Marques FB, Bettoni GN, de Brito B, de Brito KCT, Fermino MH, Ngajilo D, Ramos ASP, dos Santos BGT, Stech MR, Watterson A & Cavalli LS (2019) An Online Survey of Occupational Hazards in Brazilian Aquaculture. Fifth International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference (IFISH 5), Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Journal of Agromedicine, 24 (4), pp. 434-440. https://doi.org/10.1080/1059924x.2019.1647323

Abstract
Information on occupational health and safety practices in Brazilian aquaculture is limited. This paper reports preliminary results from an online survey based on research questions to identify occupational hazards, risk assessment practices, and prevention measures adopted in Brazilian aquaculture. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, comprising 25 questions, on a voluntary and anonymous basis. Aquaculture stakeholders were invited to participate in the study through email and social media channels. The demographic data demonstrated that the majority of respondents were men (72%) and having a higher education (95%). Most respondents employed administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) rather than substitution and other risk elimination measures to reduce exposure. The most commonly adopted measures were PPE use (87%), adequate handling of chemicals (86%), and imparting knowledge of risks (90%). However, only 12% of participants reported the presence of safety protocols at their workplace, and 17% had some form of immunization of workers. In this study, it was possible to identify a lack of hazard signage in the workplace and lack of occupational health and safety training. The results further indicate that risk management in aquaculture continues to be a challenge in low-income countries. Aquaculture farmers should be encouraged and supported in adopting measures and appropriate technologies to eliminate risks in Brazilian aquaculture.

Keywords
Biosafety; Worker Safety and Health; Aquaculture; Occupational Risk; Agricultural Worker

Journal
Journal of Agromedicine: Volume 24, Issue 4