Necesidades de orientacion y adiestramiento en el uso de equipo de proteccion personal en fincas de produccion de platanos en municipios de la region noroeste de Puerto Rico

The objective of this study was to determine the needs of orientation and training in the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in farms dedicated to plantain production in municipalities of the northwest region of Puerto Rico. The investigation included 71 participants from Anasco, Isabela, Lares, Las Marias, Moca and San Sebastian. For this study a survey consisting of 24 questions was used as an instrument. The results of the investigation reflected that the majority of the participants are males with an average age of 46 to 55 years, farm workers with 6 to 10 years of experience and most of them did not had training in the use of PPE. The most common accidents in this type of plantation were cuts in the hands. The farm workers recommended that their employer provide appropriate PPE so future accidents can be prevented in their jobs.