Understanding real work situations to determine sprayer design occupational and environmental health criteria: a mixed methods study protocol

BACKGROUND: Canada's agricultural sector included 189,874 farms in 2021, 15% of which were located in the province of Quebec. Farmers are exposed to a variety of hazards that can lead to acute or chronic health effects, particularly when it comes to pesticide use. Machinery is often implicated in occupational injury statistics. Studies point to shortcomings in the design of crop protection sprayers, impacting not only the health and safety of workers, but also the environment. Tree sprays are currently designed and manufactured outside Quebec in accordance with regulatory requirements developed in a context where occupational health and safety (OHS) criteria are not always given priority. Therefore, with a view to intrinsically preventing OHS risks, while considering production and environmental protection objectives, this project aims to determine design criteria for arboricultural sprayers based on the actual work experience of apple growers. METHODS/DESIGN: This intervention research project will be conducted by an interdisciplinary team (e.g., ergonomics, engineering, agronomy) in collaboration with Les Producteurs de pommes du Québec [name of the provincial association representing Quebec apple growers], a provincial association representing apple growers. A mixed-method research design combining quantitative and qualitative methods will be deployed over three years. PHASE 1 aims to gather knowledge on sprayer design and use, relying on a variety of collection methods (e.g., literature review, semi-structured interviews, work activity observations, self-administered questionnaire) carried out iteratively. The data obtained will then be cross-referenced to prepare for PHASE 2. In this phase, exchange workshops will be held with apple growers and other stakeholders to target key points in the design of spraying systems for arboriculture. DISCUSSION: The expected results are design criteria for arboricultural sprayers, mainly guidelines which may be specific for certain points, to limit the exposure of agricultural workers to OHS risk, while considering environmental protection and production quality objectives. Knowledge gained from the project will inform apple growers, distributors, and manufacturers, whether for selection or modification of existing sprayers, or development of new products. Finally, design principles that could be transposed to other types of agricultural sprayers will be identified.