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In hot weather, thermal heat generated by the body, combined with environmental heat from the sun, can lead outdoor workers to experience heat-related stress, severe illness, or even death. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of heat-related symptoms and potential risk factors associated with sun safety–related behavior among Latino farmworkers. Data from interviewer-administered questionnaires were collected from a cross-sectional survey among farmworkers (N = 158) from August to September 2013. Data analysis assessed associations between work activities, sun safety behavior, and the prevalence of heat-related illness (HRI) symptoms among workers. Nearly two thirds (72%) of farmworkers experienced at least one HRI symptom and lacked proper cooling methods when working outdoors. Most workers reported wearing long-sleeved shirts (85%), long pants (98%), and baseball caps (93%). The prevalence of having one HRI symptom was 72% and 27% among workers having three or more HRI symptoms. The majority of farmworkers experience symptoms of HRI and are not provided with proper shade protection when working outdoors. Increased emphasis on administrative controls, particularly educating field supervisors and workers on how to avoid and recognize HRI, should be a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture consistently ranks among the top hazardous occupations, accounting for a significant number of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. Eastern North Carolina has a significant number of small, independent, family-run, owned, and operated farms. However, little is known about perception, behavior, training, accessibility, or purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety among farmers in the region. In this study, telephone interviews were conducted among participating farmers between March and June 2012 (N= 129). Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to examine associations between PPE behavior and workplace hazards, health-related concerns, and wearing and purchasing PPE. Findings indicated that personal behavior of wearing hearing protection devices (HPDs) and protection from the sun among farmers was low. However, a relatively high percentage of farmers reported wearing PPE when working with agricultural chemicals. Most farmers received training from agricultural extension offices. The findings indicate that, in general, farmers are well aware of the risks associated with occupational hazards and recognize concern for health and safety protection in the workplace. Transitioning these concerns into preventative action remains a challenge and priority for the agricultural health professional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers and farmworkers face increased risks of skin cancer from exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) when working outdoors. The objective of this study wasto evaluate the evidence from behavioral and intervention studies from the peer-reviewed studies related to sun safety among farmers and farmworkers and identify any gaps in the literature. A comprehensive review was conducted between 1990 and 2013; 22 studies were identified related to behavior and health interventions of sun safety among these targeted groups. The inconsistency of data collection methods makes it difficult to estimate with accuracy any overall meaningful results of behavior. However, from the studies reviewed, farmers and farmworkers most frequently reported wearing some type of hat (23.6%–100%) as a primary method of protection from the sun when working outdoors. Female farmers were more likely than male farmers to use sunscreen and engage in indoor tanning behavior. All sun safety educational interventions studies reviewed reported positive increases in behavioral change. To a large degree, adequate sun protection is lacking and varies geographically among farmers. Although targeted education is key to making improvements on sun protection behavior, aggressive attempts have to be made. Studies related to farmworkers, sun safety behavior, and skin cancer are scarce and more research is needed in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]