Keywords

Hispanic farmworkers, occupational injury, orchard workers

 

Authors

  1. Salazar, Mary K. EdD, RN, COHN-S
  2. Keifer, Matthew MD, MPH
  3. Negrete, Maria BA
  4. Estrada, Fabiola MS
  5. Synder, Karen PhD

Abstract

Orchard workers are exposed to an array of occupational health and safety hazards that result in injury, illness, and, in some cases, death. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify and explore factors that contribute to occupational risks related to orchard work. Twenty-five Hispanic orchard workers were interviewed. They reported that the most common type of accident was falls, usually from a ladder; and the most common injuries were strains and sprains. Three broad categories of factors that contributed to the occurrence of such injuries were Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors; Work-Related Factors; and Factors External to Work.