Self-Reported Occupational Injuries and Perceived Occupational Health Problems among Latino Immigrant Swine Confinement Workers in Missouri

Abstract

Swine production has changed dramatically, and in the United States production often takes place in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Because of the size and density of these types of facilities, workers may be exposed to serious occupational health risks such as noxious gases, agricultural dusts, elevated noise levels, and zoonotic diseases. This descriptive study examines self-reported occupational injuries and perceived occupational health problems among a convenience sample of 40 Latino immigrant swine confinement workers (92.5% male; M age = 36.1 years; SD = 10.0) in Missouri. Results indicated that seventeen workers (42.5%) rated their health as fair or poor, thirteen (32.5%) had experienced an occupational injury, and eleven (28.2%) reported occupational health problems such as burning eyes, muscular pain, headaches, coughing, nausea, nasal congestion, and sneezing. The majority of workers did not perceive their job to be dangerous. Clearly, more must be done to protect workers, especially immigrant workers, who may not have the same access to information, training, or other protections. Health and safety should be a priority for both farmworkers and farm employers. Practical and policy-based implications and recommendations are discussed.

Recent Research on Occupational Animal Exposures and Health Risks: A Narrative Review

“…A small study conducted in Missouri examined self-reported injury and health status among Latino immigrant workers. Their results indicated a high prevalence of workers rating their health as fair or poor, along with high prevalence of occupational injury [63]. Clouser and colleagues found that occupational injury was more likely for Latino farmworkers in the USA if they self-reported work stress, supervisor unfairness, or supervisor inability to speak Spanish [64].…”

Ambient hydrogen sulfide exposure increases the severity of influenza A virus infection in swine

“…This study prompted us to investigate the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of H 2 S on influenza A virus infection (IAV) in swine. Both H 2 S gas and IAV are of concern to animal caretakers and veterinarians [11,12].…”

Precarious employment and migrant workers’ mental health: a protocol for a systematic review of observational studies

“…In addition to becoming even more prevalent and visible in recent decades, precarious work has been linked by various studies to perceived poor health and quality of life among workers [9,10]. Migrant workers who are generally regarded as a vulnerable group [11,12] are considered to be especially affected by precarious employment conditions [9].…”