Risk Factors for Heat-Related Illness in Washington Crop Workers

Abstract

Background Crop workers are at high risk of heat-related illness (HRI) from internal heat generated by heavy physical work, particularly when laboring in hot and humid conditions. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for HRI symptoms in Washington crop workers using an audio computer-assisted self-interview (A-CASI) instrument that has undergone reliability and validity evaluation. Methods A cross-sectional A-CASI survey of 97 crop workers in Washington State was conducted during the summer of 2013. Potential HRI risk factors in demographic, training, work, hydration, clothing, health, and environmental domains were selected a priori for evaluation. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for self-reported symptoms associated with heat strain and HRI (dizziness/light-headedness or heavy sweating) experienced at work in hot conditions. Results An increase in age was associated with a lower odds of HRI symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–0.98). Piece rate compared to hourly payment (OR 6.20; 95% CI 1.11–34.54) and needing to walk for more than three minutes to get to the toilet, compared to less than three minutes (OR 4.86; 95%CI 1.18–20.06), were associated with a higher odds of HRI symptoms. Conclusions In this descriptive study of risk factors for HRI symptoms in Washington crop workers, decreased age (and less work experience), piece rate pay, and longer distance to the toilet were associated with self-reported HRI symptoms. Modifiable workplace factors should be considered in HRI prevention efforts that are evaluated using objective measures in representative working populations.

Hydration and Cooling Practices Among Farmworkers in Oregon and Washington

“…5,7 Surveys to identify risk factors for HRI were administered to two nonrandom, purposive samples of farmworkers in Oregon and Washington. Researchers in the two states jointly developed a core set of questions adapted from existing validated surveys, when possible, that were administered in each state.…”

“…Methods for data collection among Washington farmworkers have been described elsewhere. 7 Briefly, bilingual and bicultural research staff members recruited participants in coordination with growers and supervisors in central and eastern Washington during July and August 2013. Eligible participants were adults engaged in outdoor summer crop work in central or eastern Washington.…”

Recruitment, Methods, and Descriptive Results of a Physiologic Assessment of Latino Farmworkers

“…Alert levels (when to implement protective actions such as mandatory rest periods) are based on exposure using the Heat Index (12) and do not include work intensity, individual susceptibility or whether the work is in sun or shade, which vary greatly across farming task and crop type. Studies investigating the risk of heat illness in USA farmworker populations have almost exclusively relied on questionnaires or focus groups conducted at labor camps or community sites (13-17). Interviews conducted at the work site may influence results due to potential opposition of employers.…”

Heat exposure and productivity in orchards: Implications for climate change research

“…Individual factors were assessed using an audio computer-assisted self-interview survey instrument on tablet computers 10 . Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI [kg/m 2 ]) 11 .…”