1
|
Trinh P, Teichman S, Roberts MC, Rabinowitz PM, Willis AD. A cross-sectional comparison of gut metagenomes between dairy workers and community controls. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:708. [PMID: 39033279 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10562-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a nexus of routine antibiotic use and zoonotic pathogen presence, the livestock farming environment is a potential hotspot for the emergence of zoonotic diseases and antibiotic resistant bacteria. Livestock can further facilitate disease transmission by serving as intermediary hosts for pathogens before a spillover event. In light of this, we aimed to characterize the microbiomes and resistomes of dairy workers, whose exposure to the livestock farming environment places them at risk for facilitating community transmission of antibiotic resistant genes and emerging zoonotic diseases. RESULTS Using shotgun sequencing, we investigated differences in the taxonomy, diversity and gene presence of 10 dairy farm workers and 6 community controls' gut metagenomes, contextualizing these samples with additional publicly available gut metagenomes. We found no significant differences in the prevalence of resistance genes, virulence factors, or taxonomic composition between the two groups. The lack of statistical significance may be attributed, in part, to the limited sample size of our study or the potential similarities in exposures between the dairy workers and community controls. We did, however, observe patterns warranting further investigation including greater abundance of tetracycline resistance genes and prevalence of cephamycin resistance genes as well as lower average gene diversity (even after accounting for differential sequencing depth) in dairy workers' metagenomes. We also found evidence of commensal organism association with tetracycline resistance genes in both groups (including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Ligilactobacillus animalis, and Simiaoa sunii). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the utility of shotgun metagenomics in examining the microbiomes and resistomes of livestock workers, focusing on a cohort of dairy workers in the United States. While our study revealed no statistically significant differences between groups in taxonomy, diversity and gene presence, we observed patterns in antibiotic resistance gene abundance and prevalence that align with findings from previous studies of livestock workers in China and Europe. Our results lay the groundwork for future research involving larger cohorts of dairy and non-dairy workers to better understand the impact of occupational exposure to livestock farming on the microbiomes and resistomes of workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Trinh
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Sarah Teichman
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Marilyn C Roberts
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Peter M Rabinowitz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Amy D Willis
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pohl E, Lee SR. Local and Global Public Health and Emissions from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in the USA: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:916. [PMID: 39063493 PMCID: PMC11276819 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Up to 1.6 million tons of waste is produced annually by each of more than 21,000 concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) located in the United States (USA). These operations give rise to externalities, including adverse local and global health impacts from CAFO waste emissions, which can potentially outweigh their economic viability. However, a shortage of evidence synthesis research exclusively on the impacts of USA-based CAFO waste emissions may hinder effective policy development. This scoping review (ScR) study, adhering to the guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute, conducted a search in databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase in May 2020, resulting in ten publications that met the inclusion criteria. The results suggest possible exposure of CAFO workers to multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA), campylobacteriosis, and cryptosporidiosis. Communities near CAFOs experienced higher rates of adverse health impacts compared to those in non-CAFO areas, with patterns suggesting that proximity may correlate with increased odds of detrimental health effects. Implicit global health threats include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), MDRSA, campylobacteriosis, tuberculosis, and cryptosporidiosis. These studies provide foundational insights into CAFO proximity, density patterns, and adverse public health effects, indicating a need for evidence-informed environmental health policies to minimize local and global risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Pohl
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Sang-Ryong Lee
- Aero-Soil Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Radka K, Wyeth EH, Craik B, Ergler CR, Derrett S. "On the books" yet "off the record"-occupational injury and migrant women: scoping review findings from OECD countries, with implications for New Zealand. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1346834. [PMID: 38784943 PMCID: PMC11111975 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1346834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Little appears to be known regarding the work-related injury (WRI) experiences of migrants (those born in a country other than their identified host country) and specifically, women migrants. Methods As part of a wider PhD project investigating the WRI experiences of New Zealand (NZ) migrants, a review of NZ mainstream media coverage of migrants WRIs was undertaken, which identified no representations of migrant women's WRI experiences. In turn, a scoping review was undertaken to identify peer-reviewed publications reporting empirical findings about WRI experiences and outcomes for migrants in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries, including NZ. This paper aims to identify and describe findings for migrant women specifically. From 2,243 potential publications, 383 proceeded to full text review; ultimately 67 were retained. These 67 publications were reviewed to identify findings specifically for occupationally injured migrant women; 22 such publications (from 21 studies) were found. This paper reports: the characteristics of identified studies; characteristics of migrant women within; frameworks and theories used, and knowledge (and gaps) related to occupationally injured migrant women. Results Publications came from only four OECD countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Spain. A range of study designs, and topic areas (working conditions, legal rights, identities, the role of gatekeepers, and precarity), were identified; however, only three studies reported findings for longer-term experiences and outcomes of WRIs. Nine publications considered theoretical models underpinning research, including theories about precarious work, stigmatization, and citizenship. However, there was a paucity of analyses of the WRI experience throughout the life-course, highlighting a gap in understanding of how these experiences are "lived" over the long term by occupationally injured migrant women. Discussion Scoping review findings were synthesized using a provisional "matryoshka framing narrative" model, to be refined through forthcoming qualitative interviews with occupationally injured NZ migrant women. This model highlights the multitude of influences in WRI experiences, potentially specific to migrant women, suggesting the consequences of WRIs may be uneven, with migrant women experiencing different, and potentially, greater disparities in outcomes. These findings provide an impetus to investigate knowledge gaps and urgently address potential disparities in WRI outcomes for migrant women specifically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Radka
- Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- School of Geography, Division of Humanities, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Emma H. Wyeth
- Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Brooke Craik
- Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Christina R. Ergler
- School of Geography, Division of Humanities, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Derrett
- Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Janssen ER, Nielen M, Spithoven JJG, van Werven T, Wouters IM. Observational study on occupational exposure of dairy farmers to formaldehyde. Occup Environ Med 2023:oemed-2022-108753. [PMID: 37945343 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide insights into exposure of Dutch dairy farmers to formaldehyde derived from formalin footbaths used for cows. Dutch safety norms are set at a limit of 0.122 ppm during an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and 0.407 ppm for a 15-min TWA. METHODS At 20 farms formaldehyde air concentrations were determined using stationary active air sampling with impingers next to the footbath and in the milking parlour during footbath usage. Formalin footbath concentrations were tested and meteorological conditions were collected using a climate monitor to assess associations with formaldehyde concentrations. A structured interview inquired on potential exposure routes and exposure duration. RESULTS Formaldehyde concentrations next to the footbath ranged from <0.003 to 0.316 ppm, with seven measurements exceeding the 8-hour TWA threshold. None of the measurements exceeded the 15-min TWA threshold at either location. Formaldehyde air concentrations in the milking parlour were generally lower, yet at two farms exceeded the 8-hour TWA limit during sampling. Self-reported exposure time of the dairy farmers to the formalin footbath never exceeded 15 min. Although due to the small sample size, no significant associations between most predictor variables and formaldehyde levels in the air were found, the direction of effects were as expected. CONCLUSIONS The exposure of Dutch dairy farmers presumably falls within the established safety norms. Nonetheless, substantial levels of formaldehyde could be detected. This study further emphasises the importance of substitution of formalin in dairy practice and the relevance of informing dairy farmers on proper handling of formalin to reduce exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esmée Rianne Janssen
- Department Population Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Nielen
- Department Population Health Sciences, Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tine van Werven
- Department Population Health Sciences, Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University Farm Animal Practice, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Maria Wouters
- Department Population Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Merenda VR, de Oliveira EB, Lopez-Soriano M, Arruda AG, Robbins A, Pairis-Garcia MD. Dairy workers' attitudes toward dairy cattle euthanasia. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:7076-7088. [PMID: 37210364 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Implementing timely and humane euthanasia in dairy farms remains a critical concern. One of the possible barriers for the implementation of timely euthanasia on-farm is dairy workers' attitudes toward the act. The objectives of this study were to investigate dairy workers' attitudes toward dairy cattle euthanasia and their association to individuals' demographic characteristics. A total of 81 workers from 30 dairy farms (ranging in size from less than 500 to more than 3,000 cows) participated in the survey and most participants were caretakers (n = 45; 55.6%) or farm managers (n = 16; 19.8%), with an average work experience of 14.8 years. Dairy workers' attitudes toward dairy cattle (empathy affect, empathy attribution, and negative attitudes about cattle), working environment (relying on others, perceived time constraints) and euthanasia decision-making (feeling comfortable with euthanasia, feeling confident, seeking knowledge, using different sources to obtain advice, having negative attitudes about euthanasia, having insufficient knowledge, having trouble deciding when to euthanize and avoiding if possible) were identified and used for cluster analyses. Cluster analyses identified 3 distinct clusters: (1) confident but uncomfortable with euthanasia (n = 40); (2) confident and comfortable with euthanasia (n = 32); and (3) unconfident, lacking knowledge and detached from cattle (n = 9). Dairy workers' demographic characteristics (age, sex, race and ethnicity, dairy experience, role on-farm, farm size, and previous euthanasia experience) were used as predictors for the risk factor analyses. The risk analysis demonstrated that there were no predictors for cluster 1, but White workers (P = 0.04) and caretakers that had previous euthanasia experience tended to be more likely to be members of cluster 2 (P = 0.07) whereas respondents that worked in farms with 501-1,000 cows were more likely to be grouped in cluster 3. This study provides vital information about variability in dairy workers' attitudes toward dairy euthanasia as well as its association with race and ethnicity, farm size, and previous euthanasia experience. This information can be used to implement appropriate training and euthanasia protocols to increase both human and dairy cattle welfare on-farm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R Merenda
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606
| | - Eduardo B de Oliveira
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California-Davis, Tulare, CA 93274
| | - Magdiel Lopez-Soriano
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606
| | - Andréia G Arruda
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | | | - Monique D Pairis-Garcia
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ren Q, Panikkar B, Mares T, Berlin L, Golder C. Food justice in Vermont's environmentally vulnerable communities. AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN VALUES 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37359837 PMCID: PMC10127955 DOI: 10.1007/s10460-023-10431-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we examine cases of food insecurity and food justice issues in Vermont's environmentally vulnerable communities. Using a structured door-to-door survey (n = 569), semi-structured interviews (n = 32), and focus groups (n = 5), we demonstrate that: (1) food insecurity in Vermont's environmentally vulnerable communities is prominent and intersects with socioeconomic factors such as race and income, (2) food and social assistance programs need to be more accessible and address vicious cycles of multiple injustices, (3) an intersectional approach beyond distribution is required to address food justice issues in environmentally vulnerable communities, and (4) paying attention to broader contextual and environmental factors may provide a more nuanced approach to understanding food justice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ren
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, Aiken Center, The University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
- Gund Institute for Environment, The University of Vermont, Farrell Hall, 215 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
| | - Bindu Panikkar
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, Aiken Center, The University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
- Gund Institute for Environment, The University of Vermont, Farrell Hall, 215 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
| | - Teresa Mares
- Department of Anthropology, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
| | - Linda Berlin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
| | - Claire Golder
- College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ferreira F, Rovai M, Chahine M, de Haro Marti M, Wenz J, Dalton J, Silva-del-Río N. Perspectives of dairy employees at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of health risks and educational needs. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2023:S2666-9102(23)00019-4. [PMID: 36811073 PMCID: PMC9934005 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2022-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to understand dairy employees' perceptions and educational needs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A bilingual (English and Spanish), anonymous survey targeted at dairy employees was circulated nationwide via university and allied industry media outlets. Responses (n = 63) from 11 states were received (May-Sep. 2020). Respondents worked in herds ranging from 50 to 40,000 animals in size. Dairy managers (33%) responded mostly to the English survey (52%), whereas entry-level workers (67%) chose the Spanish format (76%). Survey results highlighted different perspectives, educational needs, and preferred sources of information between English- and Spanish-speaking dairy workers. Overall, 83% of the respondents were somewhat concerned or very concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (51%) indicated that their main concern was "to bring the virus from work to home and make my family sick." Most dairy employees (83%) perceived that their employers were somewhat or very concerned about the pandemic. Respondents (65%) indicated that COVID-19 informative training was provided at the workplace, but training was more frequently undertaken among dairy managers (86%) than entry-level workers (53%). Most trainings (72%) were limited to posters on walls. The preferred means of information delivery was through in-person meetings at work (35%), with YouTube (29%) and on-demand videos (27%) as second and third options. The main source of information regarding the pandemic was social media (52%). Frequent handwashing (81%), limiting on-farm visits (70%), limiting agglomeration in break rooms (65%), hand sanitizer use (60%), and social distancing (60%) were the most common safety measures implemented at the workplace among the options given to respondents. Few respondents (38%) indicated that face-covering was required at work. Successful emergency plans on dairies should consider the outreach needs and preferences of dairy workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F.C. Ferreira
- Veterinary Teaching and Research Center, University of California–Davis, Tulare 93274,Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616,Corresponding author
| | - M. Rovai
- Department of Dairy and Food Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings 57007
| | - M. Chahine
- Twin Falls Research and Extension Center, University of Idaho, Twin Falls 83301
| | | | - J. Wenz
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164
| | - J. Dalton
- Twin Falls Research and Extension Center, University of Idaho, Twin Falls 83301,Caldwell Research and Extension Center, University of Idaho, Caldwell 83605
| | - N. Silva-del-Río
- Veterinary Teaching and Research Center, University of California–Davis, Tulare 93274,Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Thamsuwan O, Galvin K, Palmandez P, Johnson PW. Commonly Used Subjective Effort Scales May Not Predict Directly Measured Physical Workloads and Fatigue in Hispanic Farmworkers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2809. [PMID: 36833506 PMCID: PMC9957310 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In North America, Hispanic migrant farmworkers are being exposed to occupational ergonomic risks. Due to cultural differences in the perception and reporting of effort and pain, it was unknown whether standardized subjective ergonomic assessment tools could accurately estimate the directly measured their physical effort. This study investigated whether the subjective scales widely used in exercise physiology were associated with the direct measures of metabolic load and muscle fatigue in this population. Twenty-four migrant apple harvesters participated in this study. The Borg RPE in Spanish and the Omni RPE with pictures of tree-fruit harvesters were used for assessing overall effort at four time points during a full-day 8-h work shift. The Borg CR10 was used for assessing local discomfort at the shoulders. To determine whether there were associations between the subjective and direct measures of overall exertion measures, we conducted linear regressions of the percentage of heart rate reserve (% HRR) on the Borg RPE and Omni RPE. In terms of local discomfort, the median power frequency (MPF) of trapezius electromyography (EMG) was used for representing muscle fatigue. Then full-day measurements of muscle fatigue were regressed on the Borg CR10 changes from the beginning to the end of the work shift. The Omni RPE were found to be correlated with the % HRR. In addition, the Borg RPE were correlated to the % HRR after the break but not after the work. These scales might be useful for certain situations. In terms of local discomfort, the Borg CR10 were not correlated with the MPF of EMG and, therefore, could not replace direct measurement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ornwipa Thamsuwan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montreal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
| | - Kit Galvin
- Department of Environment and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Pablo Palmandez
- Department of Environment and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Peter W. Johnson
- Department of Environment and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Benoit M, Austin E, Simcox N, Rabinowitz P, Yost M. Predictors of Dairy Worker Pre-Test and Post-Test Performance on a Dairy Safety Knowledge Test: Impact of Education Level and Native Language. J Agromedicine 2022; 28:456-469. [PMID: 36300904 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2022.2140732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficacy-driven assessments of linguistically appropriate occupational health and safety training (OHS) for dairy workers remain uncommon. This study analyzes predictors of performance on a dairy safety knowledge test using pre-and-post knowledge assessments. The safety training course was delivered by iPad™ to Idahoan dairy workers, managers, and owners. OBJECTIVE To determine the predictors of safety knowledge scores among dairy worker course participants. METHODS Predictors of pre-test (baseline) scores and change in test scores of n = 1,336 participants were compared, and multivariate iterative linear regressions were used to predict test performance, adjusting for variables such as occupation, years of formal education, native language, and years in dairy work. RESULTS Test scores for Spanish and English speakers improved between pre-test and post-test. Years of formal education was the most predictive variable of higher baseline scores and change in test scores among dairy safety course participants, regardless of language. CONCLUSION Dairy worker safety training course results showed improvements in safety knowledge and test scores. Years of formal education of participants appears to be a key determinant of increases in safety knowledge, and therefore safety training programs need to address the learning needs of less educated workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Benoit
- University of Washington - Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - E Austin
- University of Washington - Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - N Simcox
- University of Washington - Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - P Rabinowitz
- University of Washington - Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - M Yost
- University of Washington - Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, Seattle, Washington, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ramos AK, Adhikari S, Yoder AM, Rautiainen RH. Occupational Injuries among Latino/a Immigrant Cattle Feedyard Workers in the Central States Region of the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168821. [PMID: 34444570 PMCID: PMC8392181 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Agriculture is a dangerous industry with high rates of occupational injuries. Immigrants comprise the majority of the hired agricultural workforce in the United States, and these workers may be at a higher risk for job-related injuries. This study addressed the frequency, characteristics, and risk factors of occupational injuries among Latino immigrant cattle feedyard workers. Data were collected through structured interviews with Latino immigrant cattle feedyard workers in Kansas and Nebraska (n = 243; 90.9% male). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for injury. Nearly three-fourths of participants (71.2%) reported having experienced one or more injuries in the past while working on a cattle feedyard. The most frequent types of reported injuries, including those not requiring medical care, were bruises/contusions (40%), cuts/lacerations (21%), and sprains/strains (12%). These injuries were mainly caused by animals/livestock (33%), chemicals (23%), falls (12%), and tools (9%). Significant risk factors for injury included male gender (OR 5.9), being over age 35 (OR 2.6), working on a large or an extra-large feedyard (OR 5.4), having 11 or more employees on the feedyard (OR 3.6), and working more than eight hours a day (OR 4.7). Having received safety training was also associated with greater risk of injury in a univariable model (OR 2.6). Cattle feedyard workers are at high risk for injury and require more effective preventive measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athena K. Ramos
- Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Department of Health Promotion, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4340, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-402-559-2095
| | - Suraj Adhikari
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4388, USA; (S.A.); (A.M.Y.); (R.H.R.)
| | - Aaron M. Yoder
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4388, USA; (S.A.); (A.M.Y.); (R.H.R.)
| | - Risto H. Rautiainen
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4388, USA; (S.A.); (A.M.Y.); (R.H.R.)
| |
Collapse
|