A Campus-Community Partnership for Migrant Tomato Workers' Health

Background/Need. Migrant farm workers are continuously exposed to ergonomic and chemical hazards in Tennessee which is among the top five tomato producing states. Methods and Partners. In the spring of 2008 an interdisciplinary team of students and faculty catalyzed a partnership with a regional clinic for migrant laborers and a national clinical network for healthcare professionals caring for the mobile underserved. Based on clinical observations and an earlier survey, musculoskeletal disorders were identified as a priority issue. Results. Five assessment and intervention activities are underway in a framework of community-based participatory research. First, video footage of harvesting and sorting was analyzed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment method, revealing movements and postures likely to be injurious. Second, an ergonomic intervention in packing house workers was conducted. Third, diagrams and photos of alternative technologies for hoisting 35 pound buckets of tomatoes were assembled for evaluative discussions with tomato workers and farm owners, with an eye toward field trials. Fourth, continuing education seminars on occupational health for primary care clinicians were presented by the national network, with students and faculty evaluating outcomes. Fifth, a case-based training module on occupational health has been developed for residents in family medicine and third year medical students. Conclusions and Next Steps. Ergonomic hazards require a multi-pronged effort to redress longstanding practices. Farm owners will be invited to join the partnership and engage in a demonstration project. Although pesticides ranked low on the initial survey, tomato workers have voiced concerns about dermal and in utero exposure.