Indices of ergonomic-psycholsociological workplace quality in the greenhouses of Almería (Spain): Crops of cucumbers, peppers, aubergines and melons

This work uses the Labour Economics and Sociology Laboratory of France (LEST) method to evaluate the ergonomic-psycholsociological quality of work in horticultural greenhouse exploitations in Almería (Spain) with the aim of improving workers’ occupational health. Data on the factors affecting the physical environment, the physical workload, mental workload, psychosocial aspects and the working hours of labourers were collected in 110 greenhouses, 35 of the Almeria parral-plano type and 75 of the raspa y amagado type. The crops raised in these greenhouses were cucumbers (24 greenhouses), peppers (25), aubergines (28), and melons (38). These greenhouses, typical of southeastern Spain, were found not to guarantee workers a comfortable working environment. The type of greenhouse and the crop raised within directly affected the ergonomic-psychosocial conditions of the workers. Suggestions are offered that might improve these conditions.

Research highlights► The type of greenhouse affect the ergonomic–psychosocial conditions of the workers. ► The type of crop affect the ergonomic-psychosocial conditions of the workers. ► The prevention is poor in all greenhouses. ► More specific methods might be useful for the study of the risk factors detected by LEST method.