High pepper vines and strong winds make pepper harvesting in Vietnam dangerous. Farmers and workers face serious fall injuries, even fatalities.
High Vines and Harsh Weather Create Risk
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In Vietnam’s Central Highlands, especially Dak Lak, the pepper harvest coincides with the windy season, making work on 5–7 meter-high pepper poles extremely risky. Workers must climb tall ladders to pick pepper, exposing themselves to potential falls and severe injuries.
Alarming Cases of Serious Accidents
Ea Ning Commune, Cu Kuin District—a major pepper-growing area—attracts hundreds of seasonal workers every year. Pham Ba Thuy, Chairman of the Ea Ning People’s Committee, reports that the tall “live poles” supporting pepper vines make harvesting hazardous.
In 2022, two fatalities occurred from falls during harvest. On February 18, 2023, Mrs. T.T.H. (born 1974) tragically died after falling while picking pepper.
Elsewhere, Le Thi Hong Phuong of Krong Nang town fell from a 3-meter ladder in 2022, fracturing her cervical spine. After five months of treatment at Tay Nguyen General Hospital, she still suffers pain whenever the weather changes. “After this incident, I no longer dare to climb high,” Phuong said. “Whenever I pick pepper, I tie the ladder securely to the vine and climb with extreme caution.”
Hospital Data Shows Ongoing Danger
Tay Nguyen General Hospital receives 20–30 pepper harvest accident cases each year. Early in 2023 alone, three patients suffered cervical spine injuries and were transferred to Ho Chi Minh City hospitals for treatment. Doctors warn these injuries often lead to quadriplegia, respiratory paralysis, or severe spinal cord damage.
Hospital director Dr. Nguyen Dai Phong emphasizes that falls from height can cause devastating injuries, including cervical fractures that may result in permanent disability or death. Even less severe accidents often lead to broken arms or legs, requiring complex and costly treatment.
Why Pepper Harvesting Is So Risky
Dak Lak Province has about 30,948 hectares of pepper. Most farmers use tall “live poles” made of muong, cotton tree, or acacia, typically 5–7 meters high. Harvesting requires metal ladders leaning against these poles.
Challenges include:
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Uneven ground around pepper mounds, often in sunken or sloped areas, making ladders unstable.
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Strong seasonal winds during harvest, increasing the risk of falls.
Safety Measures Farmers Are Adopting
Huynh Ngoc Hai from Ea Bhok Commune, Cu Kuin District, a veteran pepper picker, describes the work as riskier than harvesting other crops. He always checks and secures the ladder before climbing. On windy days, he picks lower vines first, then uses ropes to tie the ladder to the pole before working at height.
Ngo Thi My Hanh from Ea Bhok Commune hires about 150 workers per season and instructs them to secure ladders and avoid climbing during strong winds.
Similarly, Nguyen Thi Thu from Ea Kpam Commune, Cu M’gar District prunes pepper vines to maintain a 4–5 meter height and ensures workers tie ladders firmly to reduce accidents.
Expert Advice on Emergency Response
Local authorities urge workers to prioritize personal safety and follow guidelines to prevent workplace injuries.
If a person falls from height:
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Do not move them roughly. Use a stretcher or rigid board to keep the spine straight.
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For lower limb fractures, gently straighten the limb and secure it before transport.
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Seek immediate medical care at the nearest facility.