Preventing Heat-Related Illness among Hispanic Farmworkers

Authors:
  • KCKennith Culp
    Kennith Culp
  • STShalome Tonelli
    Shalome Tonelli
  • SRSandra L. Ramey
    Sandra L. Ramey
  • KDKelley Donham
    Kelley Donham
  • LFLaurence Fuortes
    Laurence Fuortes
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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.

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