Tempe, AZ — Nearly 3 out of 5 farmworkers in Arizona have experienced at least one symptom of heat-related illness in the past year, results of a recent study show.
A team led by a researcher from Arizona State University conducted a cross-sectional study of 180 Latino farmworkers between the ages of 16 and 25. Of the workers, 57.3% reported symptoms such as muscle cramps, nausea and dizziness while on the job in the past 12 months.
“Longer work hours and financial responsibilities were associated with higher rates of heat-related symptoms,” according to an ASU press release. “For many, the need to keep working can outweigh concerns about personal health.”
Providing access to safe, clean drinking water is an important way to help prevent heat-related problems, the researchers note.
“Even when water is available, factors such as break timing or distance to water sources can affect how consistently workers are able to hydrate,” the release states. “Addressing these barriers can reduce dehydration and improve overall well-being.”
Other findings:
- Nearly half of the participants (48.9%) said risk-taking was part of their job.
- A third indicated that being injured on the job in the next 12 months was a “high probability.”
“Workplace practices also present opportunities for improvement,” the release states. “While many participants reported receiving safety instructions, fewer described consistent access to ongoing safety meetings or a strong sense of control over their own safety decisions. Strengthening training and communication, along with encouraging regular breaks during peak heat, can help reduce risk while supporting productivity.”
The study was published in the Journal of Agromedicine.
