Machinery, such as tractors and harvesters,
account for the highest rates of injury and death
among agricultural workers and self-employed
farmers. Exposure to pesticides and other
agrochemicals constitutes one of the main
occupational risks, which could lead to illness or
death. Other hazards are inherent in animal
handling and contact with dangerous plants and
biological agents, and give rise to allergies,
respiratory disorders, zoonotic infections and
parasitic diseases. Noise-induced hearing loss,
musculoskeletal disorders, such as repetitive
stress injuries and back pain, as well as stress
and psychological disorders are also frequent.
The situation is particularly evident in developing
countries and in the farms or plantations in some
of the countries in transition or even in some
industrialized countries [1,2].