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Citation
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Mac V, Elon L, Mix J, Tovar-Aguilar A, Flocks J, Economos E, Hertzberg V, McCauley L. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: There is a compelling need to identify agricultural workers at risk for heat related illness (HRI).
METHODS: Data from Florida agricultural workers (N = 221) were collected over 3 Summer workdays (2015-2017) to examine risk factors for exceeding NIOSH-recommended core temperature (Tc) thresholds [38°C (Tc38) and 38.5° (Tc38.5)] using generalized linear mixed models.
RESULTS: On an average workday, 49% of participants exceeded Tc38 and 10% exceeded Tc38.5. On average, participants first exceeded both thresholds early in the day; the Tc38 threshold mid-morning (10:38AM), and Tc38.5 about a half hour later (11:10AM). Risk factors associated with exceeding Tc38 included years working in US agriculture, body mass index, time performing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, increasing heat index, and field crop work.
CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of core temperatures exceeding recommended limits emphasizes the serious need for mandated HRI prevention programs for outdoor workers.
Language: en |