Factors Contributing to Occupational Accidents in the Plantation Industry: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic review examines the factors that contribute to occupational accidents among workers in plantation and agricultural environments. These sectors involve physically demanding tasks, exposure to heat, and frequent interaction with tools and machinery, which together create a high-risk work setting. Although many studies have addressed specific hazards, the evidence remains fragmented across regions and crop types. The purpose of this project is to synthesise research published from 2015 to 2025 that investigates causes and patterns of work-related injuries in plantation and agricultural work. Using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, one hundred seventeen studies were included. Findings are organised using the Man, Machine, Method, and Management framework. Individual risks include fatigue, heat stress, dehydration, inexperience, older age, and unsafe behaviours. Machinery-related hazards include rollovers, entanglement, tool injuries, and poor equipment maintenance. Work-method factors include heavy workload, awkward posture, climbing activities, repetitive manual tasks, and unsafe operating techniques. Management factors include limited safety training, inadequate supervision, insufficient protective equipment, weak heat-risk policies, and underreporting of injuries. The review is expected to provide a clear and integrated understanding of how these risks interact and contribute to accident occurrence. The findings aim to inform the development of more effective prevention strategies, including improved heat management, safer machinery practices, better ergonomic design, stronger organisational safety systems, and enhanced reporting and training. This synthesis also highlights the need for future research using prospective designs and objective exposure measurements.