Are Cal/OSHA Regulations Protecting Farmworkers in California From Heat-Related Illness?

J Occup Environ Med

Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA (Dr Langer, Castro); Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA (Dr Mitchell, Armitage, Dr Vega-Arroyo, Dr Bennett, Dr Schenker); Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA (Dr Moyce); College of Nursing, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA (Dr Moyce); Department of Pediatrics , Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA (Dr Tancredi).

Published: June 2021

Objective: Determine compliance with and effectiveness of California regulations in reducing farmworkers' heat-related illness (HRI) risk and identify main factors contributing to HRI.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study of Latino farmworkers, core body temperature (CBT), work rate, and environmental temperature (WBGT) were monitored over a work shift by individual ingestible thermistors, accelerometers, and weather stations, respectively. Multiple logistic modeling was used to identify risk factors for elevated CBT.

Results: Although farms complied with Cal/OSHA regulations, worker training of HRI prevention and hydration replacement rates were insufficient. In modeling (AOR [95% CI]) male sex (3.74 [1.22 - 11.54]), WBGT (1.22 [1.08 - 1.38]), work rate (1.004 [1.002 - 1.006]), and increased BMI (1.11 [1.10 - 1.29]) were all independently associated with elevated CBT.

Conclusion: Risk of HRI was exacerbated by work rate and environmental temperature despite farms following Cal/OSHA regulations.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8893044PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000002189DOI Listing

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