WHERE ARE THE MAIN OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS IN SPANISH OLIVE OIL MILLS?

This paper aims at examining the working conditions in the olive oil mill industry in Spain. Knowing the working conditions, production processes and equipment used in this industry can help define and implement better health and safety strategies and actions. After visits, inspections and interviews carried out in three olive oil mills, we drew up a questionnaire. With the collaboration of the Labor Authority, during the two-year research period, 2009-2010, we put questionnaires to the managers of 184 olive oil mills. Our survey aimed at a statistical analysis of the production and prevention organization of the companies, with special interest in the health and safety management policy. The main characteristic of this industry that will determine working conditions and as a result, potential occupational hazards are: fluctuations in activity and staff throughout the year, changes in shifts work, the widespread use of extraction systems continuous and the high level of noise generated and the lack of order and cleaning. Conversely, the increasing use of the method of two stages has significantly reduced the waste water generated.