Machinery-related perceived risks and safety attitudes in senior Swedish farmers

Objectives: To perform an ergonomic analysis of work and machinery-related risks in agroup of Swedish older farmers, investigating farmers' attitudes and perceptions about: 1)health status and work motivation, 2) physical and cognitive workload and difficulties in theinteraction with machinery and technological innovations, and 3) risks and safety practices.Methods: Nine Swedish male farmers aged 65+ were administered a semi-structuredinterview and a questionnaire. Results: Participants perceived themselves as being in goodhealth and considered farming as a good proxy of their health status. They reported anincreased physical workload but did not denounce describe any cognitive workload.Technology was reported to have low usability, thus its benefits cannot be fully exploited.Older farmers acknowledged the existence of 'new risks' related to the aging process, andmainly referred to the common sense and previous experience as the best safety practices.Conclusion: Multilevel interventions focused on the capabilities and limits of the olderfarmers should be developed, involving both training activities and design solutions for themachinery that can support older farmers' health and safety.