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Background Irish farmers represent a 'high-risk' group for non-communicable diseases, which, arguably, pose a greater occupational health challenge for farmers. To date, there has been little exploration of the farming characteristics associated with farmers' poor health outcomes. Aims To examine the relationship between farming and male farmers' self-reported health outcomes and to compare the study findings to national health studies to explore which factors specifically are associated with Irish farmers' poorer health outcomes relative to the general population. Methods This cross-sectional survey research used self-reported quantitative data on the health outcomes and health behaviours of male farmers from the South-East of Ireland. Data were entered into SPSS and descriptive and binary regression techniques were used for data analysis. Results There were 314 participants (99% response rate). Age, full-time farming and dairy farming significantly impacted self-reported health outcomes and health behaviours. There was a high prevalence of self-reported arthritis compared with the national average of Irish males. 'Younger' farmers (

Background The St Vincent's Working Backs Project (WBP) represents a strategy for the implementation of the UK Faculty of Occupational Medicine guidelines for the management of low back pain (LBP) in the workplace (Carter J, Birrell L. Occupational Health Guidelines for the Management of Low Back Pain at Work¯Principal Recommendations. London: Faculty of Occupational Medicine, 2000). Aim To evaluate the efficacy of the St Vincent's WBP. Methods Questionnaire survey of staff and managers before and after the WBP intervention together with review of Occupational Health Department (OHD) data. The intervention included changes to LBP management pathways and protocols, combined with a guideline-based health promotion campaign. Outcomes included WBP awareness, LBP-related sickness absenteeism, staff back beliefs, intended management of LBP and manager attitudes towards LBP and it management. Results Following the WBP intervention, 85% (n = 46) of managers and 57% (n = 124) of staff reported having heard of the WBP. LBP-related sickness absenteeism in the previous year had not decreased significantly (95% confidence interval: -0.03 to 0.06). Among staff, a mean improvement of 1.8 had occurred on the Back Beliefs Questionnaire score. More staff (36%) reported that they would try to stay active (P < 0.05) with LBP and would choose to attend the OHD if they required treatment. More managers demonstrated guideline-consistent attitudes. Conclusions Following the WBP, staff and manager attitudes and beliefs towards LBP and its management were more consistent with the LBP guidelines although LBP-related sickness absenteeism did not decrease significantly. Future occupational guideline implementation strategy studies are required which should include a control worksite and rely on pre- and post-intervention organizational data.