Roxana Chicas1, Nezahualcoyotl Xiuhtecutli2,3, Nathan Eric Dickman4, Joan Flocks5, Madeleine K Scammell6, Kyle Steenland7, Vicki Hertzberg8, Linda McCauley8. 1. School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. 2. Anthropology Department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA. 3. Farmworker Association of Florida, Apopka, FL, USA. 4. Humanities & Fine Arts Division, University of the Ozarks, Clarksville, AR, USA. 5. Center for Governmental Responsibility, Levin College of Law, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. 6. Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, MA, USA. 7. Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. 8. Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Agricultural workers perform intense labor outside in direct sunlight and in humid environmental conditions exposing them to a high risk of heat-related illness (HRI). To implement effective cooling interventions in occupational settings, it is important to consider workers' perceptions. To date, an analysis of agricultural workers' experience and perception of cooling devices used in the field while working has not been published. METHODS: Qualitatively data from 61 agricultural workers provided details of their perceptions and experiences with cooling interventions. RESULTS: The participants in the bandana group reported the bandana was practical to use at work and did not interfere with their work routine. Cooling vest group participants agreed that the vest was effective at cooling them, but the practicality of using the vest at work was met with mixed reviews. CONCLUSION: The findings of this qualitative study support and extend existing research regarding personal cooling and heat prevention research interventions with vulnerable occupational groups. Personal cooling gear was well received and utilized by the agricultural workers. Sustainable heat prevention studies and governmental protection strategies for occupational heat stress are urgently needed to reduce the risk of heat-related morbidity, mortality, and projected climate change health impacts on outdoor workers.
INTRODUCTION: Agricultural workers perform intense labor outside in direct sunlight and in humid environmental conditions exposing them to a high risk of heat-related illness (HRI). To implement effective cooling interventions in occupational settings, it is important to consider workers' perceptions. To date, an analysis of agricultural workers' experience and perception of cooling devices used in the field while working has not been published. METHODS: Qualitatively data from 61 agricultural workers provided details of their perceptions and experiences with cooling interventions. RESULTS: The participants in the bandana group reported the bandana was practical to use at work and did not interfere with their work routine. Cooling vest group participants agreed that the vest was effective at cooling them, but the practicality of using the vest at work was met with mixed reviews. CONCLUSION: The findings of this qualitative study support and extend existing research regarding personal cooling and heat prevention research interventions with vulnerable occupational groups. Personal cooling gear was well received and utilized by the agricultural workers. Sustainable heat prevention studies and governmental protection strategies for occupational heat stress are urgently needed to reduce the risk of heat-related morbidity, mortality, and projected climate change health impacts on outdoor workers.
Authors: Jacqueline M Mix; Lisa Elon; Valerie Vi Thein Mac; Joan Flocks; Jeannie Economos; Antonio J Tovar-Aguilar; Vicki S Hertzberg; Linda A McCauley Journal: Am J Ind Med Date: 2019-08-16 Impact factor: 2.214
Authors: Jacqueline Mix; Lisa Elon; Valerie Vi Thien Mac; Joan Flocks; Eugenia Economos; Antonio J Tovar-Aguilar; Vicki Stover Hertzberg; Linda A McCauley Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2018-05 Impact factor: 2.162
Authors: Nancy L Fleischer; Hope M Tiesman; Jeri Sumitani; Terry Mize; Kumar Kartik Amarnath; A Rana Bayakly; Matthew W Murphy Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2013-03 Impact factor: 5.043
Authors: T Bodin; R García-Trabanino; I Weiss; E Jarquín; J Glaser; K Jakobsson; R A I Lucas; C Wesseling; C Hogstedt; D H Wegman Journal: Occup Environ Med Date: 2016-04-12 Impact factor: 4.402