Preliminary Assessment of Occupational Safety and Health in the Agriculture Sector in Lebanon

The "Preliminary Assessment of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the Agriculture Sector in Lebanon" offers a thorough overview of OSH conditions across selected farms in the Akkar and Beqaa regions of Lebanon. Based on interviews with 37 Lebanese farmers conducted by a team from the American University of Beirut, the assessment includes a survey of hazards and risks, analyses farmers' knowledge of OSH practices, and identifies areas for improvement.

The assessment proposes targeted interventions to enhance workplace safety for the well-being of farmers and agricultural workers. It also maps public and private entities involved in OSH training and capacity building in the agriculture sector.

The primary findings from this assessment indicate that predominant risks identified on farms encompass physical, chemical, mechanical, biological, and ergonomic hazards, along with those arising from the work dynamics and environment. Suggestions for mitigating these risks centre on establishing a comprehensive national Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) policy that incorporates OSH units within both the Ministry of Labour and Agriculture.

Additionally, there is a focus on fostering OSH practices across all sectors within the agricultural industry through awareness raising and capacity building activities.

In Lebanon, the ILO’s PROSPECTS Partnership focuses on enhancing resilience of the country's crisis-hit labour market and creating better livelihoods for both Lebanese host community members and Syrian refugees with a special focus on agriculture.