Implementation Considerations for Preventing Injuries among Hispanic and Latino Farmworkers

In the United States, Hispanic and Latino adults disproportionately experience work-related injuries and deaths. They have the highest fatal injury rate among workers compared to non-Hispanic Black/African American, White, and Asian workers. The agriculture industry is a major contributor to high injury rates among Hispanic/Latino workers. Preventable injuries among farmworkers include being struck by farm equipment, falls, motor vehicle crashes, and exposure to hazardous pesticides.

Language differences and other structural barriers may pose challenges to addressing unintentional injuries among farmworkers who are Latino and Hispanic. Rural communities should be aware that migrant farmworkers who are Hispanic/Latino may speak indigenous languages instead of Spanish. Rural communities should consider working with farmworkers to ensure that materials and interventions are appropriate and meet identified needs. The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health provides multiple examples of successful culturally responsive projects involving Latino and Hispanic farmworkers. Developed in partnership with the Northeast Center for Agricultural and Occupational Health, the Farmworker Clinician's Manual provides educational and cultural resources for injury prevention.

The Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Health topic guide provides additional information about migratory and seasonal agricultural workers and their families. The Rural Health Equity Toolkit discusses approaches for equitably engaging with communities that experience inequities.

Resources to Learn More

AgriSafe: Spanish Resources
Website
Includes Spanish-language resources focused on prevention of injuries and diseases associated with farming and ranching.
Organization(s): AgriSafe Network

Health and Occupational Injury Experienced by Latinx Child Farmworkers in North Carolina, USA
Document
Discusses findings from a survey of Latinx youth farmworkers who reported occupational injuries associated with farm work.
Author(s): Arcury, T. A., Arnold, T. J., Quandt, S. A., et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(1), 248
Date: 12/2019

Outreach Reference Manual - Chapter 1: Understanding Farmworkers
Document
Identifies common considerations for public health practitioners to address when developing outreach programs for farmworkers. Topics cover health status, housing, cultural sensitivity, social services, and several legal issues including worker protection, immigration, violence against women, and child labor.
Organization(s): Health Outreach Partners
Date: 2013

Outreach Training Program – Construction: Training Resources in Spanish Language
Website
Provides Spanish language information and products promoting occupational safety and health in the construction trades. Lists educational organizations offering train-the-trainer courses.
Organization(s): Occupational Safety & Health Administration, United States Department of Labor