Are Cal/OSHA Regulations Protecting Farmworkers in California From Heat-Related Illness?

OBJECTIVE: Determine compliance with and effectiveness of California regulations in reducing farmworkers’ heat-related illness (HRI) risk and identify main factors contributing to HRI. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of Latino farmworkers, core body temperature (CBT), work rate, and environmental temperature (WBGT) were monitored over a work shift by individual ingestible thermistors, accelerometers, and weather stations, respectively. Multiple logistic modeling was used to identify risk factors for elevated CBT. RESULTS: Although farms complied with Cal/OSHA regulations, worker training of HRI prevention and hydration replacement rates were insufficient. In modeling (AOR [95% CI]) male sex (3.74 [1.22 –11.54]), WBGT (1.22 [1.08 – 1.38]), work rate (1.004 [1.002 – 1.006]), and increased BMI (1.11 [1.10 – 1.29]) were all independently associated with elevated CBT. CONCLUSION: Risk of HRI was exacerbated by work rate and environmental temperature despite farms following Cal/OSHA regulations.