Journal of Agromedicine
2019

Comprehension of Safety Pictograms Affixed to Agricultural Machinery among Pakistani Migrant Farmworkers in Italy (Article)

Vigoroso L. , Caffaro F.* , Micheletti Cremasco M. , Bagagiolo G. , Cavallo E.
  • a Institute for Agricultural and Earthmoving Machines (IMAMOTER), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Torino, Italy
  • b Institute for Agricultural and Earthmoving Machines (IMAMOTER), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Torino, Italy
  • c Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
  • d Institute for Agricultural and Earthmoving Machines (IMAMOTER), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Torino, Italy
  • e Institute for Agricultural and Earthmoving Machines (IMAMOTER), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Torino, Italy

Abstract

Objectives: Safety pictograms are important graphic elements that are useful for rapidly conveying messages in workplaces. The purpose of this study was to investigate the comprehension of safety pictograms affixed to agricultural machinery among a group of Pakistani migrant farmworkers employed in Italy. Methods: Interviews about the meanings attributed to four standardized safety pictograms affixed to agricultural machinery depicting the most frequent causes of farm accidents were administered to 29 Pakistani migrant farmworkers employed on Italian farms. Results: There was high variability in pictogram comprehension. None of the participants interpreted all the pictograms in accordance with the definitions provided by the international standards. Higher comprehension rates were reported for pictograms related to the risks of tractor rollover and foot injury, while pictograms referring to the need to consult a technical manual and the risk of entanglement yielded lower comprehension scores. Previous farming experience in the country of origin and the number of years of education were significantly associated with comprehension scores. Conclusion: A discussion of pictogram features that may be critical for comprehension is provided, and (re)design suggestions are given to improve the cross-cultural comprehension of these safety signs. © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

pictogram comprehension occupational safety Migrant farmworker

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85074421951&doi=10.1080%2f1059924X.2019.1673269&partnerID=40&md5=5f8842a48432e618376d558b1b462ac7
DOI: 10.1080/1059924X.2019.1673269
ISSN: 1059924X
Original Language: English