142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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305190
Risk Factors for Heat-related Illness in Agricultural Workers in Washington State

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Monday, November 17, 2014

Jennifer Krenz, MS, MPH , Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
June Spector, MD, MPH , Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA
Kristina Blank, MPH , Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
  
Background/Objectives: The potential impact of heat-related illnesses (HRI) in outdoor agricultural workers is substantial. Data suggest that heat exposure and dehydration are associated with diminished concentration, strength, and productivity and increased accident rates.  Extreme heat is associated with heat-related deaths, and the frequency and intensity of heat waves is projected to increase globally due to climate change.  The project objectives are to identify HRI risk factors in agricultural workers using self-administered surveys, evaluate the validity and reliability of the survey, and assess the feasibility of using ingestible sensors to measure heat strain.     

 Methods: A tablet-based survey with questions on potential HRI risk factors was developed, translated into Spanish, and completed by 99 agricultural workers during the summer of 2013.  Field observations on work activities as well as core body temperatures and heart rates were recorded for a subset of 18 workers.  Meteorological measurements were also recorded while workers were observed.  Associations between potential HRI risk factors and self-reported symptoms are being investigated. 

 Results:  Results of the analysis, reliability and validity evaluation, and feasibility assessment of ingestible sensors will be presented.    

 Conclusions: Identifying risk factors for HRI in agricultural workers, with the overall aim of HRI prevention, is timely and of public health significance.  The HRI risk factors identified in this study will be used to guide development of training materials for agricultural workers, collaborate with employers to reduce modifiable risk factors, and provide recommendations for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries to update the Outdoor Heat Exposure Rule.

Learning Areas:

Occupational health and safety

Learning Objectives:
Identify HRI risk factors in agricultural workers using self-administered surveys Evaluate validity and reliability of the survey instrument Assess the feasibility of using ingestible sensors to measure heat strain in agricultural workers

Keyword(s): Climate and Health, Latinos

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have managed and worked on multiple research projects focused on the safety and health of agricultural workers and communities. I have worked both in the United States and internationally, which has enabled me to understand occupational safety, community health, and climate change from a global perspective. My interest is in working with multiple stakeholders to improve the safety and health of agricultural workers and communities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3384.0: Vulnerable workers: addressing hazards in their workplaces