Occupational risk factors in health of broiler-farm workers: A systematic review

Arch Environ Occup Health. 2021;76(8):482-493. doi: 10.1080/19338244.2020.1832036. Epub 2020 Oct 15.

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify gaps in literature regarding occupational risks to broiler farming workers. A systematic review was performed in which inclusion criteria were workers in poultry farms. The search was done between May and June 2019 with online papers. Keywords were "poultry farmer," "poultry worker," and "poultry workers" as terms of an axis of a theoretical framework. Results indicated as predominant topics lung diseases, nasal mucosa or paranasal sinus contamination, and aflatoxicosis. The identified gaps in scientific publications are related to mitigation of occupational risks. Prevalent described risks are associated to exposure to chemicals gases, vapors and aerosols, biological hazards (micro-organisms), ergonomic risks, wrong working posture, excessive body movement and inadequate behaviors. Preventive policies about poultry farmer's health and safety needs to be adopted to reduce potentially dangerous risk factors and increase productivity.

Keywords: Occupational health; poultry worker; welfare; work safety; workplace.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chickens
  • Farmers* / statistics & numerical data
  • Farms
  • Humans
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Exposure / statistics & numerical data
  • Occupational Health* / statistics & numerical data
  • Poultry*
  • Risk Factors