Farmers' health and safety programs in Sweden

Abstract

In 1977, the Swedish Farmers' Federation initiated a pilot project of preventive occupational health services to farmers. After a few years it was decided that this occupation-specific service, Farmers' Preventive Health Service (Lantbrukshälsan), should be permanently established within the federation of farmers. Today, 33 special regional centers have been established around Sweden, providing occupational health services to farmers, farm workers, and others occupied in farm-related enterprises. At another 30 locations collaboration has been established with other existing health care centers. Farmers must pay a fee to become a member of the organization and to provide affiliation is voluntary. Today about 40,000 farmers are members. The main goal of the farmers' preventive health service (FPHS) is to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses and to provide clinical services to farmers for occupational medical problems. Every second year a health check-up is performed; during the years in between other services such as farm visits, first aid courses, and sessions on prevention/amelioration of back and neck problems are provided. A team of occupational nurses, physiotherapists, agricultural safety engineers, doctors, and secretaries work together to provide comprehensive services. This integrated medical-technical approach to service provision is a prerequisite to successful intervention for the many occupational hazards which may cause damage to health. Respiratory problems related to inhalation of organic dust, pesticide exposures, allergies, and orthopedic diseases are important. Psychosocial work-related problems seem to be increasing among farmers.