From the employer's perspective: A mixed-methods look at the work organization and safety practices on horse breeding farms

Evidence suggests that work organization— how jobs are designed and work is structured—may influence occupational injuries and illness. Still, little is known about the relationship between work organization and occupational health within some of our most dangerous industries—such as agriculture— which often rely on a non-English speaking workforce, which contributes additional health and safety challenges. This study seeks to understand the work organization and occupational health of an understudied, dangerous industry that relies on a Latino workforce: horse breeding. This cross-sectional, mixed methods study is collecting information about workforce demographics, workplace policies, safety practices, and other work organization variables from 35 Kentucky Thoroughbred farms. Data were collected from owners, managers, or human resource personnel via a 20-minute phone-administered survey and a 2-hour face-to-face semi-structured interview. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed, entered into ATLAS.ti, and analyzed by three coders. Quantitative data were entered into Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) and univariate and bivariate analyses conducted. Preliminary results indicate that Latino workers comprise the majority of year-round, hourly workers on these farms. Spanish is most commonly spoken among non-native workers, though English is most often used to communicate with the manager. Full-time is often defined by a 6-day, 48-hour workweek. A dearth of formal policies exist—as many of these farms are small—including the provision of employee policy and safety manuals. The majority of workers had access to formal or informal paid time off. All farms offered some form of PPE. Information on chemical and hazard exposure will also be reported.