Agricultural Worker Perspectives on Climate Hazards and Risk Reduction Strategies

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Health
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• The agricultural workforce is vital for food security but faces significant risks from climate change impacts like extreme heat and wildfire smoke.
• Western states are developing occupational health and safety regulations to address these emerging climate-related hazards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand agricultural workers' experiences with heat and wildfire smoke exposure.
• To inform the development and implementation of effective workplace safety interventions for agricultural workers.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive study using community-engaged research and the CDC framework for policy evaluation.
• Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 12 current and former agricultural workers in Central Washington.
• Data were collected in Spanish and English, recorded, transcribed, and translated.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged: increasing hazards from extreme weather, lack of employer training on labor laws and safety, employer intimidation, distrust in regulatory agencies, and the need to prioritize worker safety over productivity.
• Workers reported adverse health symptoms due to heat and smoke exposure.
• Proposed solutions included enhanced education, training, communication, and stronger enforcement of occupational health and safety rules.

Conclusions:

• Effective policies and interventions must incorporate worker perspectives to adapt to climate change.
• Protecting agricultural worker health is critical for maintaining a stable workforce and promoting public health.
• Addressing climate-driven risks in agriculture requires a focus on worker well-being alongside productivity.