Development and testing of behaviour change based intervention for machine related safety on farms
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2024-04-15Author
Surendran, Aswathi
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Abstract
Background
Farm machinery-related injuries are a growing concern worldwide, posing serious risks to
farmers' safety and leading to severe disabilities or fatalities. As the farming population ages
and farming machinery evolves, the need to address long-term safety becomes crucial.
Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of behaviour change interventions in improving
farm practices. To ensure the successful adoption of safe farming practices, understanding the
factors that contribute to farmers' behaviour is important. This understanding allows for
developing and tailoring behaviour change interventions to the specific needs and challenges
faced by the target population. However, there has been limited work on developing theory driven interventions to increase machine safety among farmers. This thesis aims to develop
and test a behaviour change-based intervention focused on enhancing tractor-related safety on
farms, with a particular focus on Irish farmers. The research involved collaboration with Irish
farmers, experts in agricultural safety, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the intervention's
relevance and practicality.
Aim
The aim of the project was the systematic development and feasibility testing of a behaviour
change based intervention to increase machine-related safety on farms.
Methods and Results
This thesis encompassed four interlinking studies guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel
framework for developing behaviour change-based interventions.
Study 1 (Systematic Review): The systematic review (Chapter 3) employed the Behaviour
Change Wheel (BCW) framework and the Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) taxonomy to
investigate machine-related farm safety interventions comprehensively. This review revealed
gaps in addressing demographic factors, specific machine-related behaviours, and
intervention complexity. Additionally, it emphasised the need for tailored interventions and
rigorous reporting and evaluation of the active ingredients of the intervention. Further
analysis highlighted the significant role of tractors and quad bikes in farm accidents,
vulnerability among older farmers and children, and the limited attention to older farmers in
safety initiatives. This foundational study informed subsequent research directions, providing
essential insights into farm machine safety interventions.
Study 2 (Focus Group Discussions): This qualitative study explored the perspectives and
experiences of older Irish farmers concerning farm machinery safety, with a particular focus
on tractors and quad bikes. Utilising the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour
(COM-B) model, the focus group discussions identified a range of high-risk behaviours
associated with machine operation and safety. The study identified the barriers and
facilitators influencing the adoption of safe machinery operation practices. This study also
explored farmers' attitudes towards behaviour change techniques (BCTs) identified in the
systematic review. These insights highlighted the need to tailor interventions for specific
demographic groups and the significance of promoting age-appropriate safety measures for
older farmers.
Study 3 (Co-design workshop): This study aimed to tailor farm safety intervention to the
unique needs of older Irish farmers. Two co-design workshops with international farm safety experts and stakeholders were conducted to achieve these objectives. These workshops
identified potential target behaviours, barriers, enablers, and intervention components and
delivery methods. A web-based rank order survey was used to prioritise target behaviours,
and findings from the survey guided discussions during the workshops. Subsequently, with
the Teagasc Advisory Team, a feasibility screening to finalise the selection of target
behaviours, behaviour change techniques, and modes of delivery based on predefined criteria
and empirical evidence.
Key target behaviours identified were (i) allocation of attention to machinery operation and
the local environment and (ii) installing and using appropriate safety devices on machinery.
Barriers included limited knowledge, while facilitators included peer support. The BeSafe
tractor safety intervention strategically incorporated BCTs such as 1.1 Goal setting
(behaviour), 1.4. Action planning, 4.1. Instruction on how to perform the behaviour, and 13.1
Identification of self as a role model. The study highlighted the importance of tailoring farm
safety intervention to different farm types and age groups. Collaboration with the Teagasc
Advisory Team ensured practicality, enhancing real-world applicability.
Study 4 (Feasibility trial): Study 4, the final stage of this research, involved the feasibility
trial of the BeSafe tractor safety intervention. The trial assessed the acceptability, feasibility,
and fidelity of the intervention components and the overall intervention among Irish farmers.
The BeSafe intervention, developed based on the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW)
framework, encompassed in-person demo sessions, a facilitated discussion, a personalised
safety training procedure template, a demonstration kit, and an SMS reminder. The trial
included both older and younger farmers, with a focus on enhancing awareness about tractor
blind spots.
Results from the feasibility trial indicated a positive reception of the intervention among
participants. Farmers appreciated the farmer-centric approach, actively engaging with the
intervention components. Peer-to-peer demonstrations were particularly effective in
promoting peer-to-peer learning and safer farm machine operation practices. This study
demonstrated the potential of a theory-driven, stakeholder-informed, behaviour change based
intervention to improve machine-related safety on farms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this thesis presents a systematic and comprehensive approach for developing a
theoretically driven, stakeholder-informed, and behaviour change based intervention to
improve farm machine safety. This thesis describes a novel attempt in the development of
machine-safety interventions, offering a documented systematic approach firmly rooted in the
BCW framework and substantiated by empirical evidence. The studies included in this thesis
have contributed to the literature by providing a greater understanding of safety behaviour
among Irish farmers, including novel insights on the potential behaviour change strategies to
raise awareness among the farming population and enhance the adoption of safer farm
practices. Overall, the findings and recommendations presented in this thesis have the
potential to contribute to the efforts to address the high injury and fatality rates in the
agricultural industry, ultimately promoting a safer working environment for farmers.