HEALT WORKING CONDITIONS AND LOAD CAPACITY OF COFFEE PICKER

Abstract

Health and working conditions are the factors that determine the sociodemographic and morbidity profile and their impact on the generation of risks to the safety and health of workers and their impact on the quality of life of the coffee-growing population. The objective was to determine the health and working conditions, as well as the carrying capacity, of the coffee-picking population in the municipality of Consacá, Paltapamba district, Nariño, Colombia. A quantitative, empirical-analytical, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. A census of 100 volunteer coffee pickers was conducted. 88% were adults and older adults. The instrument "Health and Working Conditions for Temporary and Seasonal Coffee Workers," endorsed by the ILO and the European Union, and the NIOSH field sheet were used. 74% of the population reported always engaging in physical activity; however, it was found that 57% of the population has a BMI above normal overweight (45%), and 43% has an adequate weight for their height. On the other hand, it was found that 26% reported diseases primarily related to the cardiovascular and metabolic systems, followed by the genitourinary, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. Regarding musculoskeletal symptoms, these were reported by 74%, primarily in the lower back, knees, hand/wrist, and upper back. In the last year, 18 accidents with superficial trauma injuries to the ankle/foot were reported. Finally, regarding lifting loads, this exceeded 3 kg according to the NIOSH. It concluded that the coffee-picking population participating in the study showed health problems primarily related to cardiovascular and metabolic systems, prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, and risk for manual lifting.