Immigrant and migrant children at risk in agriculture – a framework for improving health and safety

Background/Objectives: Agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations in the US. In addition to the inherent hazards involved with agricultural work, immigrant and migrant youth working in agriculture encounter further risks including lack of supervision, weak regulatory protections, limited or no training, inexperience, poor safety precautions, lack of health insurance, language barriers, extreme poverty, undocumented immigration status, and geographical and cultural isolation.. These factors exacerbate their risks for injury, illness, abuse, violence and chronic sequelae. This presentation is part of the Protecting Children in Agriculture session and will focus on agricultural safety and health concerns of children who are at risk due to factors of culture, ethnicity, migration, and immigration status.

Methods: 1) describe research on vulnerable populations in agriculture to offer an overview of characteristics of ethnic and cultural groups at risk; 2) present a description of what is known about childhood injuries and interventions among these populations and identify strengths and weaknesses of research and practices targeting these populations; 3) review major gaps in knowledge regarding these populations and effective interventions; 4) provide recommendations and priorities for research, policy and programs in improving agricultural safety and health in migrant and immigrant youth.

Results/Conclusions: The recommendation and priorities outlined in this discussion are part of a greater national dialogue among a multidisciplinary team of experts including researchers, practitioners, advocates and policy makers. An updated national agenda, generated with input from diverse stakeholders, that will prioritize future interventions, policies, funding, and research to improve childhood agricultural safety and health.