Pesticide retailers' safety awareness in Türkiye: implications for occupational and environmental health in agricultural settings

Abstract

Introduction: Pesticide retailers occupy a critical position in agricultural systems, acting as key intermediaries between regulatory frameworks and end users. The safety information they provide at the point of sale can substantially influence pesticide handling practices and exposure risks. However, limited evidence exists regarding pesticide retailers' occupational health and safety (OHS) awareness and the factors that shape their communication of safety information to buyers. Methods: This cross-sectional census study was conducted among 435 registered plant protection product retailers in Mersin Province, T & uumlrkiye. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing occupational characteristics, pesticide exposure, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safety behaviour, safety awareness, and the extent of safety information provided to buyers during pesticide sales. Of the 299 participating retailers, 275 valid responses were included in the analysis (response rate 63.2%). Factors associated with adequate safety information provision were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Less than half of the retailers (47.6%) reported providing buyers with adequate information on safe pesticide use, while 40.7% reported inadequate information provision. Higher PPE use, stronger safety behaviour, and greater safety awareness were independently associated with adequate information provision. In contrast, age, sex, professional experience, and pesticide application status were not significantly associated with information sharing. Knowledge gaps regarding legal OHS responsibilities were substantial, despite many retailers operating in legally defined hazardous workplaces. Conclusion: Pesticide retailers' communication of safety information at the point of sale appears to be driven more by individual safety behaviour and awareness than by professional background or experience. Strengthening OHS awareness and fostering a stronger safety culture among pesticide retailers may enhance risk communication and contribute to safer pesticide use in agricultural settings.