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

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

SUBMITTER: Langer CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8893044 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature