A participatory research approach in the development of safety and well-being in horticultural enterprises
¹Natural Resources Institute Finland (‘Luke’), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
²TTS Work Efficiency Institute, Kiljavantie 6, 05201 Rajamäki, Finland
³Satakunta TE office, Harjavallankatu 6, FIN-29200 Harjavalta, Finland
⁴University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198-4388, USA
*Correspondence to: tiina.mattila@luke.fi
Abstract:
The process of improving the health, safety, and well-being of workers in the horticulture and agriculture sectors requires new effective means. The aim of this study was to conduct a qualitative evaluation of a participatory co-creative consultation process in order to improve occupational health and safety in horticultural businesses. The study was conducted across twenty-four small-scale enterprises (totalling eighty-two entrepreneurs and workers) from five different horticultural subsectors in Finland. Each business engaged in the development process, starting from the identification of development needs through to individual interviews and process analysis, and continuing with co-creation and the implementation of solutions. The results indicated that participatory consultation, when combined with a process analysis, was perceived as being very productive, particularly in terms of identifying development needs, but also in inspiring the co-creation of solutions and applying them to specific tasks and the working environment. Whilst long-term effects could not be measured, participation in the development process improved subjective well-being and the competence of entrepreneurs in managing well-being in their work setting. The findings suggest that participatory consultation can facilitate improvements in working conditions, which in turn can help to reduce workplace injuries and improve health conditions. The findings also highlighted the need for having a multidisciplinary consultation team, the effective cooperation of all involved parties, and facilitating peer discussions when it comes to resolving identified challenges.
Key words:
agriculture, ergonomics, health and safety intervention, social sustainability