The scientific programme of the XII International Symposium on Ergonomics, Work Safety and Occupational Hygiene covers the problems associated with chemical risk in agriculture, the present state and future perspectives. The programme consisted of a Plenary Session (6 presentations) and 4 Problem Sessions (32 presentations). The Problem Sessions covered the following issues: • chemical plant protection and fertilization, • risk associated with the application of pesticides and mineral fertilizers, • preventive actions, • effect of chemical agents on the human body, personal protection means. During the Plenary Session, the activity of the Institute of Agricultural Medicine in Lublin was characterised on behalf of the improvement of work safety among the rural population. It was mentioned that the Institute was the first Polish research centre, which in the 60s of the 20th century undertook studies in the area of physiology of work in agriculture and forestry, and evaluated the severity of work in these sectors of production. At present, the priority directions of the Institute’s research are: work safety and occupational hygiene, with particular consideration of private farming, development and implementation of the programmes and training courses in the field of work safety, ergonomics and occupational hygiene in agriculture, as well as health promotion in rural areas.