Heat exposure in sugarcane harvesters in Costa Rica
Guardado en:
| Autores: | , , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Formato: | artículo |
| Fecha de Publicación: | 2013 |
| Descripción: | Background Occupational heat stress is a major concern in sugarcane production and has been hypothesized as a causal factor of a chronic kidney disease epidemic in Central America. This study described working conditions of sugarcane harvesters in Costa Rica and quantified their exposure to heat. Methods Non-participatory observation and Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures (WBGT) according to Spanish NTP (Technical Prevention Notes) guidelines were utilized to quantify the risk of heat stress. OSHA recommendations were used to identify corresponding exposure limit values. Results Sugarcane harvesters carried out labor-intensive work with a metabolic load of 261 W/m2 (6.8 kcal/min), corresponding to a limit value of 26° WBGT which was reached by 7:30 am on most days. After 9:15 am, OSHA recommendations would require that workers only work 25% of each hour to avoid health risks from heat. Conclusions Sugarcane harvesters are at risk for heat stress for the majority of the work shift. Immediate action is warranted to reduce such exposures. |
| País: | Repositorio UNA |
| Institución: | Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica |
| Repositorio: | Repositorio UNA |
| Lenguaje: | Inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:null:11056/23603 |
| Acceso en línea: | http://hdl.handle.net/11056/23603 https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.22204 |
| Palabra clave: | AGRICULTURAL WORKER CENTRAL AMERICA EXPOSURE HEAT STRESS SUGARCANE TRABAJADOR AGRÍCOLA AMÉRICA CENTRAL EXPOSICIÓN ESTRÉS TÉRMICO CAÑA DE AZÚCAR |