Agricultural Supervisors' Perspectives on Occupational Wildfire Smoke Rules

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Health
• Agricultural Safety

Background:

• Wildfire smoke poses increasing occupational health risks to outdoor workers.
• Agricultural supervisors in WA, OR, and CA must comply with wildfire smoke rules.
• Compliance involves monitoring air quality (AQ), managing worker symptoms, and implementing controls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess agricultural supervisors' understanding of wildfire smoke monitoring, hazard communication, health impacts, and protective controls.
• To identify training needs related to wildfire smoke rules.
• To compare survey responses based on language (Spanish vs. English) to pinpoint specific group needs.

Main Methods:

• A 29-question survey was administered in Spanish and English to agricultural supervisors and crew chiefs.
• Surveys were collected at industry trainings in Washington State in late 2023/early 2024.
• Data analysis included descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests for group comparisons.

Main Results:

• 116 surveys were collected; 61% were in Spanish.
• 80% reported workplace exposure to wildfire smoke.
• Spanish-speaking respondents showed greater concern for health and identified more resource gaps than English-speaking respondents.
• Most supervisors recognized symptoms but lacked training on managing them.
• N95 masks were favored as a protective control.
• Significant differences in AQ monitoring resource accuracy were found between language groups.
• 79% had heard of the Washington wildfire smoke rule.

Conclusions:

• Gaps in knowledge and training regarding wildfire smoke exist among agricultural supervisors.
• Language differences impact perceptions and needs, highlighting the necessity for tailored training.
• Findings will inform training to enhance the safety of agricultural workers exposed to wildfire smoke.