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According to a report by the Swedish Commission on Working Conditions, agricultural workers showed a higher rate of work related injuries and diseases compared to other industries. The Swedish Working Life Fund gave employers financial support during 1990 to 1995 to improve health and safety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of this support on participating farms. Two methods were used. In-depth interviews were carried out on 20 dairy farms, and secondly a survey was mailed to 164 participating farm employers.

The farmers mainly focused on physical improvements in the working environment, while other industries mainly improved the work organization. The investments in the working environment reduced the frequency of accidents, improved the health and the work satisfaction as well as improved the productivity, the quality of production and the economic results.