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Article
Poor Safety Climate, Long Work Hours, and Musculoskeletal Discomfort Among Latino Horse Farmers
Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health (2016)
  • Jennifer Swanberg, University of Maryland - Baltimore
  • Jessica Clouser, University of Kentucky
  • Wenqi Gan, University of Kentucky
  • John C. Flunker, University of Kentucky
  • Susan Westneat, University of Kentucky
  • Steven R. Browning, University of Kentucky
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and work-related factors associated with elevated MSD among Latino thoroughbred farm workers. Participants (N = 225) were recruited using a community-based purposive sampling approach to participate in in-person interviews. Of these workers, 85% experienced MSD. MSD was divided into tertiles; the upper tertile was defined as elevated. Multivariable Poisson regression revealed associations between any elevated MSD and longer tenure on horse farms, longer work hours, and poor safety climate. Elevated neck/back MSD was associated with longer tenure, longer work hours, and poor safety climate. Elevated upper extremity MSD was associated with age and poor safety climate. Elevated lower extremity MSD was associated with longer tenure, longer work hours, and being female. Musculoskeletal discomfort is common among these workers. Improving safety climate and minimizing long work hours is recommended.
Keywords
  • Latino farmworkers,
  • musculoskeletal discomfort,
  • safety climate
Publication Date
September 5, 2016
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/19338244.2016.1216387
Citation Information
Jennifer Swanberg, Jessica Clouser, Wenqi Gan, John C. Flunker, et al.. "Poor Safety Climate, Long Work Hours, and Musculoskeletal Discomfort Among Latino Horse Farmers" Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health Vol. 72 Iss. 5 (2016) p. 264 - 271 ISSN: 1933-8244
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/steven_browning/52/