The importance of using PPE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by tobacco farmers in the Linha Grande area, in the interior of the municipality of Dona Francisca - Rio Grande do Sul. The study took a qualitative approach, using a questionnaire with structured questions containing multiple choice answer options as a tool for collecting information on the use of pesticides and poisoning after using them; accidents at work and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when growing tobacco. It emerged that all the farmers interviewed use pesticides on their tobacco plantations. As for accidents at work, there were reports of cuts at harvest time and bites from venomous animals. With regard to the use of PPE, it was found that it is not widely accepted by the tobacco farmers; they only use some of the equipment because they find it uncomfortable, making it difficult for them to carry out their activities in tobacco production.