ABSTRACT Facing the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing outbreaks among farmworkers and food processing workers across the nation, the Oregon Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OR OSHA) issued temporary regulations, in contrast to optional recommendations, in late spring. These regulations aimed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission among farmworkers, but made compromises

ABSTRACT Australia and with that Queensland have been extremely fortunate with the impact of COVID-19. Queensland has only had 1,067 cases as of June 30, 2020, of which 78% have been overseas acquired. Australia and Queensland acted early to address COVID-19 by putting in place a range of strategies including travel bans (international and domestic), isolation measures, testing regimes, advice to business

ABSTRACT During the spring 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, faculty and staff within Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences came together from multiple disciplines to support essential agricultural workers. Concerted leadership from administration provided a framework for this interaction to occur while faculty worked off-campus to address the many issues identified

ABSTRACT These findings from focus groups explore attitudes, beliefs, perspectives, and experiences relevant to workplace sexual harassment (WSH) among men and women farmworkers in California, USA, and Michoacán, Mexico. Focus groups are stratified by country and gender, with two in California (10 men and 10 women) and two in Michoacán (8 men and 5 women). This community-based participatory research

ABSTRACT This study assesses whether farmers’ suicides were associated with the pesticide use in Spain. The cohort study followed 9.5 million men aged 20–64 years who were employed in 2001. The mortality among farmers and non-farmers during the period 2001–2011 was estimated in a geographical area with high pesticide use and in an area with low pesticide use. For three major causes of death (suicide

From the farms to the packing plants, essential workers in critical food production industries keep food on our tables while risking their and their families’ health and well-being to bring home a paycheck. They work in essential industries but are often invisible. The disparities illuminated by COVID-19 are not new. Instead, they are the result of years of inequities built into practices, policies

Agricultural Extension professionals play a critical role in outreach and translation of research to practice. Extension has not only been an audience for Agricultural Safety and Health Center work, but also an essential partner in promoting evidence-based farm health and safety in communities. This commentary stems from a collaborative effort among Center leaders across the nation who developed a

Background: Over the years there has been a change in the dimensions of agricultural health risk exposure among crop farmers in Nigeria due to innovation adoption. This study assessed agrochemical health risk exposures and its determinants among cassava farmers in Nigeria. Method: The study engaged the baseline of a longitudinal study conducted using a standardized questionnaire. Randomly selected

Face-to-face outreach and in-person training have traditionally been key strategies in reaching agricultural producers, workers, and communities with safety and health information, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced outreach educators to be creative and find alternative ways to reach, communicate, and share such information. In this commentary, we describe our use of social media to reach Latino/a

Objectives This paper seeks to: provide an overview of the impacts of and responses to the spread of COVID-19 in Ireland; assess the vulnerability of the population living in rural areas to COVID-19; compare the health status of male farmers to underlying medical conditions frequently associated with those experiencing the worst impacts of the illness; and assess the implications of COVID-19 for farmers

Amid concerns of inadequate medical supplies and staffing anticipated from a surge in COVID-19 cases, many health care systems across the United States (U.S.) began shutting down non-essential patient services in March 2020. These sudden shifts bring up questions about the long-term effects of COVID-19 on already fragile rural health care systems and the ability of rural populations, including farmers

The limited data on LGBTQ+ farmers demonstrate that this population lacks adequate healthcare access and faces stigma in agricultural communities. Given that COVID-19 disproportionately impacts LGBTQ+ populations, we investigate how working conditions and healthcare bias may expose LGBTQ+ farmers – essential employees – to high risk of transmitting the virus. During COVID-19, LGBTQ+ farmers may experience

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers and farm workers have been deemed essential workers across the world. Yet, despite working in one of the most dangerous occupations, and despite being especially vulnerable to the virus (due to existing health risk factors and risk of infection stemming from difficulties adopting control measures), many farmers and farm workers in the United States have

The corona virus pandemic pulled back the curtain on rural America’s already fragile childcare system and shed light on the critical role that quality, affordable, accessible childcare plays in the lives of workers and families, as well as in the success of agricultural businesses. This commentary aims to describe how existing childcare problems were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially

This commentary provides an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on the commercial fishing industry. The information highlighted in the article was gathered from fishermen, fishing industry experts, health and safety advisors, and advocates. From these first-hand accounts, we provide the immediate and expansive impacts of COVID-19 on fishermen’s health and wellbeing. In particular, we discuss the economic

North Carolina employs 78,000+ migrant/seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs) annually. Arrival/departure dates are crop and weather dependent. MSFWs may be employed by a grower or a farm labor contractor (FLC). Like farmworker housing, FLCs may be registered or unregistered. Primary care or enabling services are provided by the NC Farmworker Health Program or community health centers that receive dedicated

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and associated coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has brought farmers and farmworkers the designation of “essential”, while placing them into heightened vulnerability for the disease. Many factors diminish access to education and prevention technologies emerging to combat COVID-19. For farmers, advanced age and rural location

Objective The Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (WCAHS) at the University of California, Davis implemented a multifaceted rapid response to COVID-19 in the western United States. This paper describes the center’s response from mid-March through June 30, 2020. Methods A comprehensive needs assessment was conducted with agricultural stakeholders. Agriculture-specific COVID-19 resources

Deemed by the federal government as “essential” to the country, immigrant field and dairy workers were told to keep working despite statewide stay-at-home directives in New York State. Undocumented workers that might choose not to comply would risk the loss of employment (with no access to unemployment benefits due to their immigration status) and eviction from employer provided housing. Due to the

Social media use in public health and other health related research applications has seen a rapid increase in recent years. However, there has been very limited utilization of this growing digital sector in agricultural injury research. Social media offers immense potential in gathering informal data, both text and images, converting them into knowledge, which can open up avenues for research, policy

The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on farmworker communities has been well documented by the media. The virus overlays existing health disparities among farmworkers, but the population is not homogenous. One group of workers that may be even more vulnerable to the transmission of COVID-19 is the H-2A temporary worker population, because they have less control over their physical environments than

Objectives The goal of this project was to determine if a mobile application displaying pesticide label information in Spanish and English was a viable approach to addressing safety and health disparities for orchard workers. This study assessed pesticide label use patterns in orchards; application user experience; and the potential of modern information systems to deliver bilingual content. Methods

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is produced in manure storage facilities and released during manure agitation. Exposure to this gas presents health risks to workers at daily exposure of greater than 10 parts per million (ppm). Exposure levels on BC dairy farms are unknown. The aim of this study was to document peak H2S exposure levels to operators and bystanders during manure agitation on British Columbia dairy

Introduction Recent legal changes mean Canadian cannabis production has moved from an illegally grown crop to a potentially common one. However, little is known about the needs of long-time producers accustomed to operating outside a legal framework. In order to develop effective safety communication strategies, there is a need to better understand cannabis producers’ perceptions of OHS regulations

Background Agriculture is one of the most hazardous jobs in terms of occupational illness, especially musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This paper is a cross-sectional study designed to identify agricultural risk factors related to MSDs among older farmers. Methods A convenience sampling method was used to select 481 older farmers from the Nong Suea district in Pathum Thani province. A three-part questionnaire

Objectives To evaluate the combined burden of heat and air quality exposure in Washington State agriculture by (1) characterizing the spatiotemporal pattern of heat and PM2.5 exposures during wildfire seasons; (2) describing the potential impact of these combined exposures on agricultural worker populations; and (3) identifying data gaps for addressing this burden in rural areas. Methods: We combined

The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in agricultural mortality before and after implementation of safety initiatives. Retrospective review of Kansas mortality data from agriculture-related injuries from 1979 to 2018. The 39-year period was stratified into four periods to compare mechanisms of injury and fatality rates between study periods. There were 780 agricultural-related deaths. Mean

Objective Manure storage, handling, and transport facilities and equipment have been associated with life threatening hazards on many livestock farms. These hazards have been documented in prior research as including 1) exposure to toxic manure gases or lack of adequate oxygen in enclosed structures, which can be fatal to both humans and livestock; 2) below and above ground liquid manure storage structures

Background Kelman’s Processes of Change suggest that individuals participate in behaviors for one of three reasons: because it is required (compliance), because the behavior allows them to maintain a particular social status (identification), or because the behavior aligns with the individuals core beliefs (internalization). This study aims to assess the utility of this model in understanding farmers’

Background Potatoes are a vital part of the Pacific Northwest’s agricultural economy. As in many agricultural industries, workers involved in potato production may be at risk for illness and injuries. Methods A Hazard Perception Survey (HPS) was completed by 63 potato growers in Washington (n = 26) and Idaho (n = 37) during the fall and winter of 2017–2018. Participants were asked to indicate their

Bovine tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), which infects both humans and cattle. In 2018, a dairy farm in Wisconsin was affected by M. bovis, including a farmworker with exposure to the affected herd. Largely eradicated by effective public health strategies in the United States, most cases are now associated with risk factors including occupational hazards, food consumption, and

Bovine tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), which infects both humans and cattle. In 2018, a dairy farm in Wisconsin was affected by M. bovis, including a farmworker with exposure to the affected herd. Largely eradicated by effective public health strategies in the United States, most cases are now associated with risk factors including occupational hazards, food consumption, and

Objectives A common understanding of the term “vulnerable populations” in the European agricultural context is needed. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to identify vulnerable populations working in European agriculture. Methods Participatory dialogue with members of the Safety Culture and Risk Management in Agriculture (SACURIMA) network was used to identify and build consensus on the major

OBJECTIVE To determine the knowledge of tuberculosis (TB) among dairy workers in Bailey County, Texas. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was used to collect 225 survey responses concerning knowledge of TB among dairy workers on 10 dairy farms in Bailey County, Texas. Subjects used iPad tablets to log responses to 15 demographic questions and a 17-item TB knowledge quiz, measured by: (1) TB characteristics

Background: Known by some as the "invisible" people because of their precarious work and low social status, migratory and seasonal farmworkers (MSFW) are a critical and underappreciated component to the agriculture industry in the United States. Despite advances in knowledge about the health needs of this population, identifying geographies of high-risk remains a challenging task for community health

Background: This paper provides background and a process description for a national initiative ('Safe Farmer Common Sense') on prevention of occupational injuries in Swedish agriculture. Methods: This initiative, which received investment funding of 65 million SEK (6.5 million USD) from the European Union (EU) over the 5-year period 2009-2013, was jointly developed by researchers, agricultural organizations

Objectives: Low back disorders (LBD) are the most common musculoskeletal disorder among farmers, and awkward trunk postures such as repetitive bending are often cited as a contributor. However, it is not clear whether trends of increasing mechanization in agriculture may be impacting the requirement for trunk-intensive tasks. This study compared the patterns of working trunk posture among prairie farmers

Introduction: This study provided a profile of work-related diseases in the farming sector notified by physicians to the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority’s (NLIA) Registry for Work-Related Diseases (RAS) over a 10-year period. Methods: Data for the occupational code “farmers” were extracted from RAS for the period 2007–2016. We performed a descriptive analysis to obtain frequency, percentage, and

Objectives: Farmworkers who harvest and weed field crops are at increased risk for heat exposure and heat-related illness (HRI). The study objectives were to: (1) train crew leaders to use the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) heat safety tool app and evaluate the utility of the app from a crew leader perspective; and (2) characterize heat safety knowledge, preventive practices,

Adverse respiratory health effects in the agricultural industry have been linked to particulate endotoxin exposure. However, whether the endotoxin concentration is significantly correlated to the size of the particle remains an open question. To date, limited research has been conducted to assess particulate endotoxin exposures in the agricultural industry in general or the equine industry in particular

Objective: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data have shown that agriculture, forestry, and fishing as an occupational group have the third highest rate of work-related roadway crashes. Agriculture-related crashes have been explored in the Midwest and South; however, we know little about agriculture-related crashes in the Northeast, especially in New York. Methods: To better understand

Objective: The Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) is one of the phases in Design and Development Research (DDR). It is a systematic method for tool development and validation. This article aims to validate an occupational zoonotic disease questionnaire using this technique. DDR is applied going through phase 1 (needs analysis), phase 2 (development and design), and phase 3 (usability). Method: In phase 1, information

Organic farming has been promoted in Thailand by King Rama the ninth. In addition to being healthier for consumers, organic farming is healthier for agricultural workers. The cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the frequency of chronic disease conditions, accidents, health symptoms, and ergonomic problems among 243 conventional (pesticide using) farmers and 235 organic farmers. Data

Objectives: Honeybee stings often lead to anaphylactic shock. We surveyed Japanese beekeepers to examine whether adrenaline auto-injectors are properly used after honeybee stings. Methods: We contacted representatives of the Japanese Beekeeping Association in all 47 prefectures for assistance distributing allergist-developed questionnaires. Representatives in 33 prefectures distributed questionnaires

Background: We report the potential negative health consequences of immigration policies and enforcement actions, such as the increase of at-risk drinking, in the US Latino seasonal farmworker (LSFW) community. Method: Logistic regression analysis was performed using data from 213 female LSFWs over age 18 years. Results: The prevalence of at-risk drinking varied across participants’ age groups: 18%

Purpose: Rates of organic farms and women organic farmers are increasing. Yet, this recent surge brings new and uncertain challenges for injury epidemiology. Since many in the population are of child-bearing age, and child agricultural injury is a significant threat, of particular relevance are the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs towards risk of child injury. Methods: A paper, self-administered 11-question

Purpose: Respiratory hazards of farming have been identified for centuries, with little focus on gender differences. We used data from the AGRICOH consortium, a collective of prospective cohorts of agricultural workers, to assess respiratory disease prevalence among adults in 18 cohorts representing over 200,000 farmers, farm workers, and their spouses from six continents. Methods: Cohorts collected

Objectives: Specific work processes and management structures that contribute to high rates of occupational illness and injury in agricultural industries are not well described in academic literature. This qualitative study of work organization in the U.S. fresh tomato industry investigates how work processes and management structures impact tomato workers' occupational health.Methods: After conducting

Objectives: Occupational safety and health (OSH) interventions emphasizing regulation or education have had limited success in reducing agricultural accidents and fatalities. There is a growing interest in sociocultural approaches to OSH promotion amongst farmers, such as peer learning groups (PLGs). The level of OSH engagement within farmer PLGs (e.g. dairy discussion groups (DDGs)) is unknown. This

Objectives: Zoonotic pathogens on dairy farms are a known risk for people who work and live there. Exposure and/or transmission of Salmonella serovars, E. coli (O157; H7), Campylobacter jejuni, and Cryptosporidium parvum have been documented to occur in the dairy farm environment. Social ecological factors have been identified as determinants of preventive behaviors of people at risk of infectious

Objectives: Limited resource African-American farmers exist at the nexus of several correlates of disparities (e.g., minority, poor, rural, and agricultural) and beyond the reach of most health promotion programs. Minimal research addresses their occupational safety and health. We proposed to explore such concerns with them.Methods: We conducted phenomenological interviews with nine farmers about work

Objective: The study examines how wildfire smoke exposure may impact health and safety in the agricultural workplace.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with agricultural employers and focus group discussions were held with farmworkers in three regions of California.Results: Agricultural employers had varying knowledge about and experience responding to poor air quality due to wildfire

OBJECTIVES Agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. Fatal injury reports influence outreach and education training topics and assist in prioritizing research efforts and federal funding priorities. News stories of agricultural fatalities are routinely collected and cataloged by the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH). METHODS The database

Objectives: This study examined news media reporting on farm injuries in Canada for the occurrence of prevention messages and factors related to whether an event was reported in more than one article.Methods: This study used a media database maintained by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), which stores publicly available news media reports of agricultural injuries and fatalities in

Objectives: Migrant farmworkers face many hardships in both their working and living environments including dangerous and demanding tasks, long hours, and inadequate rest. This study sought to explore gender differences in the reporting of fatigue and pain and to identify predictors of fatigue and pain among migrant farmworkers in Nebraska (n = 241).Methods: Bivariate tests were used to assess associations

Objective: Occupations in agriculture and natural resources persistently have some of the highest rates of injury and illness. Additionally, these fields are dominated by segments of the population known to demonstrate poorer health, such as those with less education, lower family income, and more irregular labor force participation. Thus, it is unclear if health disparities between those in these

Objective: In Iran, as in most developing countries, agriculture is considered a hazardous industry. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) have been shown to be the most common occupational injury among farmers. The present study was carried out among agricultural workers of Fars province, Iran to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and to assess working postures and ergonomic working conditions

(2019). Fifth International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference (IFISH 5) photos. Journal of Agromedicine: Vol. 24, Special Issue from the Fifth International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference (IFISH 5), pp. 311-311.

(2019). The Fifth International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference (IFISH 5): A Gathering of International Safety and Health Experts in Commercial Fishing, Aquaculture and Seafood Processing. Journal of Agromedicine: Vol. 24, Special Issue from the Fifth International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference (IFISH 5), pp. 309-310.