Agricultural Worker Perspectives on Climate Hazards and Risk Reduction Strategies

ABSTRACT

Objective

The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of agricultural workers during periods of heat and wildfire smoke exposure and to support the development and implementation of protective workplace interventions.

Methods

Using community-engaged research and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) framework for policy evaluation, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted with current and former agricultural workers in Central Washington (WA). Twelve participants answered semi-structured questions via interviews or by attending a focus group. Interviews and focus groups were conducted in Spanish, recorded, transcribed, and translated into English; one interview was conducted in English.

Results

Using Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis, five themes were identified among workers from various worksites: 1) Extreme weather and working conditions are becoming increasingly hazardous to worker health, 2) Employers and supervisors lack training and education on current labor laws, and health and safety rules, 3) Employers and supervisors use intimidation and retaliation to ensure productivity and to evoke feelings of replaceability among workers, 4) Workers do not trust regulatory agencies to enforce rules or hold employers accountable, 5) Solutions to climate-driven problems in the agricultural industry need to value worker health and safety, not just productivity. Participants reported experiencing adverse health symptoms related to heat and smoke exposure at work. Workers proposed solutions including improving education, training, and communication, and increased enforcement of existing and forthcoming occupational health and safety rules.

Conclusion

The agricultural workforce is essential for ensuring a robust food supply and is facing extreme weather events due to climate change. Western states impacted by wildfires and heat are working to develop and implement occupational health and safety rules. Developing effective policies and interventions inclusive of worker perspectives is critical to adapt to a changing climate, retain a stable workforce and promote optimal health.

KEYWORDS:

• Agricultural workers
• wildfire smoke
• extreme heat
• environmental justice
• qualitative research

Acknowledgments

The research team thanks the agricultural workers who participated in interviews and focus groups and community members who assisted with recruitment and facilitation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

for this research was supported by a grant from the Washington State University Health Equity Research Center (HERC). Additional support was provided to the lead author who was a participant in the 2022 National League of Nursing Scholarly Writing Retreat, sponsored by the NLN/Chamberlain University College of Nursing Center for the Advancement of the Science of Nursing Education. The lead author was a 2021-2023 Jonas Scholar with support from Jonas Philanthropies.