A Critical Point in Beekeeping: Beekeepers’ Health

Abstract

Beekeeping activity implies a series of intensive processes and a variety of risks. After examining studies on beekeeping activity, it became obvious that beekeeping risk factors and beekeeping health studies are quite limited throughout world. This study aimed to reveal the possible effects of this activity on beekeepers health and to bring recommendations to be applied during practice. The beekeeper is often exposed to adverse effects such as mechanical and physical difficulties, environmental and climatic conditions: high temperature, time related stress, colonies transfer stress, insomnia, bee venom and smoke exposure during production activities. Any disadvantages that might occur in an environmentally friendly production context can be attributed to possible disruptions, injuries, psychological disorders and/or occupational accidents. The difficulties of living away from home and an irregular diet are constantly placing beekeeper’s health under pressure. The difficult process of bringing bee products to the table, influences on beekeeper’s health. In this production process, the beekeeper must make proof of his own health as well. Despite the reduction of labour force and risks through modern tools and equipment support in the developed countries, there are multiple risks in every stage of honey production, which is dependent on natural conditions. The results of the present research should bring awareness on the subject of beekeepers health and establish grounds about occupational health and safety in beekeeping activities.