Respiratory protection in agriculture has lagged behind other industries. Migrant farmworkers often work in dusty environments yet do not receive appropriate, fitted respiratory protection. During May and June of 2013, researchers pilot-tested a respiratory protection program adapted to fit the unique needs of migrant and seasonal farmworkers. It was implemented in Spanish, with literacy support, at convenient times and locations. Additionally, staff was known to workers, and a farmworker medical center provided medical follow-up. Fifty-six farmworkers participated (68%; 82 invited). Of the participants, 88% were male; 20% reported using respiratory protection. One worker had been fit tested previously; 57% reported being exposed to pesticides. All but six farmworkers passed the medical clearance (91%). The mask most commonly fit to the American-born population was a good fit for only 41% of Latino farmworkers. The fact that two thirds of invited farmworkers participated in the clearance and over half completed mask fitting indicates that the modified protocol meets farmworker needs. A wide range of mask types should be made available for Latino farmworkers.
Research to Practice is a critically important component in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC/NIOSH) mission of conducting applied research in support of worker health and safety. All of the excellent research in the world will not help workers if the products of that research are not effectively integrated into widespread use in industry. For this reason, Research to Practice has been a major program emphasis within NIOSH. Although success stories can be found, few come from agriculture, the authors maintain, because of a range of unique economic and regulatory factors present in this sector. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss the major factors standing in the way of bringing proven agricultural safety innovations into commercial production, and to outline a range of possible solutions to these structural challenges.
This study sought to assess the feasibility of self-installing rollover protective structures (ROPS) and to identify any patterns of self-installation deficiencies in a sample of New York ROPS Retrofit Rebate Program participants. Inspection engineers looked for/at damage, rust, holes, deteriorated welding, location of attachment, axle housing, the presence of original plates/bolts, and adequate seatbelt installation. Results indicated that only 31% of farmers received correct parts and also installed these parts properly. Ten percent of self-installed tractors had installation problems so severe they were referred to a dealer for correction. Issues with seatbelts, torque, and unmarked or defective bolts in ROPS kits were also detected.
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