Preventing heat-related illness among Hispanic farmworkers

Kennith Culp, University of Iowa
S. Tonelli
Sandra L. Ramey, University of Iowa
K. Donham
L. Fuortes

Abstract

Hispanic and Latino farmworkers are at risk for negative occupational health and safety outcomes due to issues such as their extreme work conditions, their reliance on employer beneficence, and cultural barriers. The purpose of this article is to explain the unique characteristics of heat-related illness in the Hispanic agricultural work force and to provide an overview of the problems of poor hydration and heat exposure in this population. Culturally appropriate preventive strategies are discussed because industrial-type solutions may not work in a crop production environment where language and beliefs may interfere with adaptation.