American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Volume 44, Issue 3, 2003, Pages 225-235

Agricultural injury in California migrant Hispanic farm workers (Article)

McCurdy S.A.* , Samuels S.J. , Carroll D.J. , Beaumont J.J. , Morrin L.A.
  • a Dept. of Epidemiol./Prev. Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616-8638, United States
  • b Dept. of Epidemiol./Prev. Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616-8638, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Univ. of Albany Sch. of Pub. Health, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY, United States
  • c Dept. of Epidemiol./Prev. Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616-8638, United States, Dept. of Hum./Community Development, University of California, Davis, CA, United States, U.S. Department of Labor, Off. of the Assistant Sec. for Plcy., 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC, United States
  • d Dept. of Epidemiol./Prev. Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616-8638, United States, California Environ. Protect. Agency, Off. Environ. Hlth. Hazard Assess., Sacramento, CA, United States
  • e Dept. of Epidemiol./Prev. Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616-8638, United States

Abstract

Background: Agriculture is among the most hazardous industries in the United States. Methods: A longitudinal study of injury among migrant Hispanic farm workers residing in six Northern California Migrant Family Housing Centers (MHCs) during the 1997 harvest season was conducted. Participants completed an initial interviewer-administered work-and-health questionnaire at the beginning of the harvest season addressing the preceding year; there were three periodic follow-up surveys. Results: There were 1,201 adult farm workers (participation 85.2%) who completed the initial questionnaire. Of these, 837 (69.7%) completed the final follow-up survey. There were 86 agricultural injuries (incidence 9.3/100 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs), 95% CI 7.5-11.5/100 FTE). Increased risk for agricultural injury occurred among women paid piece-rate (RR 4.9, 95% CI 1.8-12.8). Sprains and strains were most common (31%), followed by lacerations (12%). Conclusions: Agricultural injury experience in this cohort is comparable to that of agricultural workers in other U.S. settings. Increased risk among women paid piece-rate suggests further study and potential policy changes regarding payment regimens. Heterogeneity of injury in this population presents a major prevention challenge. In view of high frequency of strain and sprain injuries, ergonomic interventions deserve further study. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Author Keywords

Farm workers Injury migrant Workplace accidents Agriculture

Index Keywords

longitudinal study Wounds and Injuries agricultural worker human risk assessment follow up Longitudinal Studies ethnic group Agriculture policy Occupational Diseases salary Hispanic Americans United States ergonomics Humans occupational accident overexertion harvest California male female questionnaire Article Questionnaires adult gender migration major clinical study sprain Transients and Migrants laceration Accidents, Occupational
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0041336836&doi=10.1002%2fajim.10272&partnerID=40&md5=51c73078fc568ada0c9aa1b8221b1083
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.10272
ISSN: 02713586
Cited by: 110
Original Language: English