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. 2021 Jun 1;63(6):532-539.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002189.

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

Chelsea Eastman Langer  1 , Diane C Mitchell, Tracey L Armitage, Sally C Moyce, Daniel J Tancredi, Javier Castro, Alondra J Vega-Arroyo, Deborah H Bennett, Marc B Schenker
Affiliations

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

Chelsea Eastman Langer et al. J Occup Environ Med. .

Abstract

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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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

References

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