Research Project Summary

Year Funded: 2016 Budget: $ Funding Agency: IRSST
Title: Using PPE to prevent skin exposure to pesticides: identifying factors facilitating and hindering the use of skin protection clothing by Québec apple producers
Category: Occupational Disease, Injury and Health Services
Subcategory: Occupational Injury
Keywords: skin protection, exposure to pesticides, IRSST
Link to research website: http://www.irsst.qc.ca/en/ohs-research/research-projects/project/i/5410/n/prevention-de-l-exposition-cutanee-aux-pesticides-par-le-port-d-epi-identification-des-facteurs-facilitant-et-faisant-obstacle-au-port-des-vetements-de-prote-2015-0036

Issue:

Agricultural workers may have significant skin exposure to pesticides in most types of farming. Consequently, skin protection clothing must be worn for a wide range of tasks.
However, literature data show that such equipment is not used systematically. Moreover, the equipment proposed for agricultural use was developed for industrial use.

Objectives:

The purpose of this research is to document the usual practices of farmers, as well as factors facilitating and hindering the use of skin protection equipment in cases of heavy pesticide exposure.

Anticipated Results:

The findings will provide insight into work practices and OHS in the use of agricultural pesticides. They may also be useful for designing the content of training and awareness raising on skin exposure to pesticides and the use of protective equipment.

Investigators:

Danièle Champoux; Caroline Jolly (IRSST)