Dissemination of Heat Safety Practices Among Florida Farmworker Crews.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of heat-related illness (HRI) safety training tailored for farmworker harvesting crews. We surveyed 52 farmworkers in three crews on heat safety knowledge, self-reported behaviors, and heat illness symptoms. Each provided a pre and post shift urine sample for analysis of specific gravity. One crew received an HRI training program and a "buddy system" to remind co-workers to rest and hydrate. The intervention crewmembers exchanged more heat safety reminders during the day and reported more rest and hydration. Social network analysis shows how coworkers disseminated heat safety messages. There was no difference in urine specific gravity among intervention or control crews. Social networks within harvesting crews can be leveraged to disseminate heat safety messages. Dehydration measures indicate training is not sufficient to protect workers from symptoms of HRI.