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Risk factors for heat-related illness in Washington crop workers
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2015
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Source: J Agromedicine. 20(3):349-359.
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Alternative Title:J Agromedicine
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Description:Background
Crop workers are at high risk of heat-related illness (HRI) from internal heat generated by heavy physical work, particularly when laboring in hot and humid conditions. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for HRI symptoms in Washington crop workers using an audio computer-assisted self-interview (A-CASI) instrument that has undergone reliability and validity evaluation.
Methods
A cross-sectional A-CASI survey of 97 crop workers in Washington State was conducted during the summer of 2013. Potential HRI risk factors in demographic, training, work, hydration, clothing, health, and environmental domains were selected a priori for evaluation. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for self-reported symptoms associated with heat strain and HRI (dizziness/light-headedness or heavy sweating) experienced at work in hot conditions.
Results
An increase in age was associated with a lower odds of HRI symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–0.98). Piece rate compared to hourly payment (OR 6.20; 95% CI 1.11–34.54) and needing to walk for more than three minutes to get to the toilet, compared to less than three minutes (OR 4.86; 95%CI 1.18–20.06), were associated with a higher odds of HRI symptoms.
Conclusions
In this descriptive study of risk factors for HRI symptoms in Washington crop workers, decreased age (and less work experience), piece rate pay, and longer distance to the toilet were associated with self-reported HRI symptoms. Modifiable workplace factors should be considered in HRI prevention efforts that are evaluated using objective measures in representative working populations.
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Pubmed ID:26237726
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC5562231
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