Degree Name
MSEH (Master of Science in Environmental Health)
Program
Environmental Health
Date of Award
12-2012
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Kenneth Z. Silver
Committee Members
Kurt Maier, Joseph Florence
Abstract
The rate of heat-related fatalities in crop production workers is almost 20 times that of other industries. Heat stress was investigated in migrant tomato workers in July, 2012, using measurements of body temperature, heart rates, body weight loss, evaluation of the thermal environment, and survey data. Using occupational safety criteria, these workers were found to work in an environment that should require protective measures to prevent heat strain. Increases in body temperature, heart rate, and physiological strain correlated with heat exposure. One third of workers had body weight percentage losses that indicated dehydration. However, working in hot environments appears to elicit a low magnitude of strain in well acclimated workers who self-pace. Key findings suggest the need for worker and employer safety training regarding acclimation and hydration. Survey data showed that less than 30% have had any heat-related safety training.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
McQueen, Stephen L., "Evaluation of Heat Stress in Migrant Farmworkers" (2012). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1505. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1505
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.