Risk Factors for Reaching Core Body Temperature Thresholds in Florida Agricultural Workers.

Abstract

There is a compelling need to identify agricultural workers at risk for heat related illness (HRI). Data from Florida agricultural workers (N = 221) were collected over 3 summer workdays (2015 to 2017) to examine risk factors for exceeding NIOSH-recommended core temperature (Tc) thresholds (38 °C [Tc38] and 38.5 °C [Tc38.5]) using generalized linear mixed models. 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 (10:38 AM), and Tc38.5 about a half hour later (11:10 AM). 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. The high prevalence of core temperatures exceeding recommended limits emphasizes the serious need for mandated HRI prevention programs for outdoor workers.