Hydration and Cooling Practices Among Farmworkers in Oregon and Washington
This research compares hydration and cooling practices among farmworkers in Oregon and Washington. Results show that Oregon workers consume more sugary and caffeinated beverages and use cooling measures more frequently compared to Washington workers. There is a large variability between the two states in terms of access to and use of methods to stay cool while working in the heat.
College of Health researcher(s)
College unit(s)
Highlights
- The study compares hydration and cooling practices among farmworkers in Oregon and Washington.
- Oregon farmworkers were more likely to consume beverages containing sugar and/or caffeine compared to Washington farmworkers.
- Oregon farmworkers reported using cooling measures more frequently than Washington farmworkers.
- There is a large variability between the two states in terms of access to and use of methods to stay cool while working in the heat.
Abstract
Objectives
Although recommendations for preventing occupational heat-related illness among farmworkers include hydration and cooling practices, the extent to which these recommendations are universally practiced is unknown. The objective of this analysis was to compare hydration and cooling practices between farmworkers in Oregon and Washington.
Methods
A survey was administered to a purposive sample of Oregon and Washington farmworkers. Data collected included demographics, work history and current work practices, hydration practices, access and use of cooling measures, and headwear and clothing worn.
Results
Oregon farmworkers were more likely than those in Washington to consume beverages containing sugar and/or caffeine. Workers in Oregon more frequently reported using various cooling measures compared with workers in Washington. Availability of cooling measures also varied between the two states.
Conclusions
These results highlight the large variability between workers in two states regarding access to and use of methods to stay cool while working in the heat.