Occupational health among Latino horse and crop workers in Kentucky: the role of work organization factors

J Agromedicine. 2013;18(4):312-25. doi: 10.1080/1059924X.2013.826604.

Abstract

Agriculture is a dangerous industry often reliant on Latino workers, a vulnerable population. Using a work organization framework, this cross-sectional study analyzes the relationship between work organization variables and the occupational health of Latino crop (n = 49) and horse breeding (n = 54) workers in Kentucky. Increased levels of abusive supervision were associated with occupational injury (odds ratio [OR] = 2.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-8.77) and increased awkward postures were associated with occupational illness (OR = 3.85; 95% CI: 1.06-13.98). Although not statistically significant, abusive supervision increased the odds and a high safety climate score decreased the odds of injury, illness, and missed work. These findings suggest that the supervisor-subordinate relationship may play a critical role in the occupational health of Latino farmworkers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Crops, Agricultural
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Humans
  • Kentucky
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health
  • Occupational Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Young Adult