Risk Perceptions and Barriers to Protective Behavior Use Among Chemical Tank Cleaners: An Exploratory Study

Chemical tank cleaners' occupational diseases and injuries are largely unknown due to a lack of monitoring and limited research. Their potential exposure to highly corrosive chemicals-including sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, and ferric chloride-suggests that tank cleaners represent an at-risk occupational group. This pilot study explored tank cleaners' risk perceptions and barriers to using personal protective equipment and other protective behaviors in their workplace. Data sources included a survey (n = 29) and interviews (n = 9) with sodium hypochlorite tank cleaners in the United States. Although sodium hypochlorite may become reactive under high temperatures, 12 questionnaire respondents indicated not being concerned about high temperatures within the tank, and 15 were not concerned about exposure via ingestion. Analyses of survey and interview results provide evidence of inadequate training among tank cleaners, their lack of understanding of basic chemical properties and routes of exposure, and limited access to and an incomplete understanding of how to properly use personal protective equipment, particularly respiratory protection. These findings can inform researchers, educators, and safety engineers in developing future studies, interventions, and training to improve tank cleaners' health and safety.

Pesticides: Perceived Threat and Protective Behaviors Among Latino Farmworkers

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and beliefs of 72 Latino farmworkers in North Carolina about the threat of health effects of pesticides, including cancer. It sought to explore relationships between threat perceptions and pesticide protective behaviors observed in the field.

METHODS/RESULTS

Utilizing stepwise multiple regression, the authors found that years worked in agriculture in the United States was associated with decreased use of protective clothing.

CONCLUSION

Pesticide protective behaviors in the field may be improved by utilizing moderately experienced farmworkers (<10 years) as lay advisors to reinforce training.

Observed and self-reported pesticide protective behaviors of Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers

Agricultural pesticide exposure has potential adverse health effects for farmworkers that may be reduced by pesticide protective behaviors (PPBs). The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requires PPBs be taught to farmworkers prior to field work. Studies to date have not utilized observational methods to evaluate the degree to which PPBs are practiced by Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States. The purpose of this study was to describe, compare, and contrast observed and self-reported PPBs used by Latino farmworkers; both PPBs that the WPS requires be taught and other PPBs were included. Observed and self-reported data were collected from 71 Latino farmworkers during the 2014 tobacco growing season in North Carolina. Participants were consistent in reporting and using long pants and closed shoes in the field most of the time. In addition, gloves, hats/bandanas, and water-resistant outerwear were frequently observed, although they are not required to be taught by the WPS. Farmworkers reported more long-sleeve (p=.028) and glove use (p=.000) than what was observed. It was uncommon to observe washing behavior before eating or drinking, even when washing supplies were available. Washing behaviors were significantly overreported for hand (p=.000; p=.000) and face (p=.000; p=.058) washing before eating and drinking in the field. This study documents that protective clothing behaviors that the WPS requires be taught, plus a few others are commonly practiced by Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers, but washing behaviors in the field are not. Targeted strategies to improve washing behaviors in the field are needed.