Ergonomics and psycho-sociological quality indexes in greenhouses, Almería (Spain)

A.J Callejón-Ferre,A Carreño-Ortega,J Pérez-Alonso,J Sánchez-Hermosilla

doi:10.5424/sjar/2009071-397

A.J Callejón-Ferre, A Carreño-Ortega + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/2009071-397

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Abstract

This study investigates the use of the Labour Economics and Sociology Laboratory of France (LEST) method to analyse work posts among greenhouse workers in the Almería region of South-Eastern Spain. The aim is to improve the health of the labourers. Data were gathered from 110 greenhouses, 73 of the Almería parral plano type and 37 raspa and amagado. Crops studied were 63 greenhouses of tomatoes, 31 of watermelons, and 16 of courgette, examining the physical environment, physical load, psycho-social aspects, and time worked by the labourers. The main conclusion was that this type of crop protective structure, typical in South-Eastern Spain, does not guarantee a comfortable working environment, as defined by the norm UNE-EN 13031-1 reference. The results also associate the different types of greenhouses and their crops with the ergonomic and psycho-sociological conditions of the workers. Improvements are proposed.

Highlights

Agriculture in the province of Almería is based on intensive production, technology, work and economics
There is no guarantee that the dimensions of a house allow labourers to work comfortably inside it, as described in regulation UNE-EN 13031-1 (2002)

Summary

Introduction

Agriculture in the province of Almería is based on intensive production, technology, work and economics. Production, marketing and service systems are continuously being updated, in the province, to prevent them from becoming obsolete and to increase competitiveness. Over 96% of the buildings belong mainly to the Almería parral plano and the Almería raspa and amagado type (Fernández and Pérez, 2004) and consis-. Tently generate €1,500 million per year (Fundación Cajamar, 2006). In terms of average minimal data (BOE, 2001) one greenhouse ha means 360 wages per year. If each wage corresponds to the work carried out by an individual, 45,000 people would be employed to work directly in greenhouses, with large numbers of migrants with little qualification for this type of job (Fundación Cajamar, 2006)

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