Risks and Exigencies in the Apple Production Process

Introduction :

The Apple cycle, since the sowing till its commercialization, is one of the main economic spilling fountains in North Mexico, which is one of the 10 main apple producers’ countries. The varieties cultivated are among the first world places in quality and flavor. Its production employs near ….. workers. With the goal of describing the sowing process and its commercialization, its risks and exigencies, this work was made upon a leader in the apple field enterprise.

Methods:

A transversal study that uses a modified ‘Italian Working Model’ methodology for creating the risks map; a job station description through the LEST method, and in some cases, complementary instrumental measurements. The complete working process was revised from the seedtime at nurseries, to the orchard work and the commercialization steps at the refrigerator´s areas.

Results:

Developing of the risks map, with the corresponding prevention actions. Biological risks and ergonomic exigencies are highlighted through all the process and the need of epidemiologic surveillance, permanent training and participating cares are showed in all the stages.

Discussion:

The results showed the need to consider ‘Occupational health’ having an active participation through all its stages; as from the workers, as from the complete commercial association that congregates the apple producers, and that they had received with approval the establishment of a preventive program.

Keywords: Apple , Risks Map, Working process.