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Rural Agricultural Health and Safety – Resources

Selected recent or important resources focusing on Rural Agricultural Health and Safety.

Agricultural Health Study: 2022 Study Update
Report presents an update from the Agricultural Health Study, a long-term study from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Discusses the health risk from pesticide exposure, including cancer and immune function.
Date: 2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Institutes of Health
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Facts About Agricultural Workers
Presents an overview of information and statistics about agricultural workers economic contribution, wages, legal status, health, and housing.
Date: 2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Farmworker Health
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Agricultural Stakeholders' Perceptions of Occupational Health and Safety in the Southeastern U.S. Coastal States
Highlights the perception of eleven agricultural professionals in the southeast on the current state of agricultural health and safety. Discusses a number of factors affecting health and safety of agricultural workers, such as healthcare access, economic and labor issues, and cultural competency, among others. Features information pertaining to worker safety during COVID-19.
Author(s): Tracy Irani, Beatrice Fenelon Pierre, Tyler S. Nesbit
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(12), 6605
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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Essentially Unprotected: A Focus on Farmworker Health Laws and Policies Addressing Pesticide Exposure and Heat-Related Illness
Report highlights laws and policies that protect farmworkers from heat- and pesticide-related illnesses. Breaks down both federal and state laws in place to protect farmworkers and makes recommendations.
Author(s): Laurie J. Beyranevand, Lihlani Skipper Nelson, Sarah Goldman, et al.
Date: 05/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Center for a Livable Future, Vermont Law School's Center for Agriculture and Food Systems
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COVID-19 Outbreak Among Farmworkers — Okanogan County, Washington, May–August 2020
Examined risk factors for COVID-19 among fruit grower employees working in orchard and warehouse settings in Okanogan County, Washington. Looked at the impact of housing, comparing those living in the community to those living in congregate temporary housing. Also looked at infection rates by job role.
Author(s): James S. Miller, Michelle Holshue, Tia K.H. Dostal, Laura P. Newman, Scott Lindquist
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(17), 617-621
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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COVID-19 in Rural America: Impact on Farms & Agricultural Workers
Fact sheet highlights the impact of COVID-19 on American farms, farmworkers, and rural areas broadly. Details information about protective equipment, housing, and unemployment benefits, among other factors.
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Farmworker Health
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Extreme Weather Events - Perspectives & Safety Impacts in Agriculture
Highlights the experiences of agricultural workers and employers on the effect of extreme weather on the health and wellness of agricultural workers. Discusses the challenges and precautions of working in extreme heat, dust, and wildfires, among other elements.
Date: 03/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety
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Pesticide Exposure and Incident Thyroid Cancer Among Male Pesticide Applicators in Agricultural Health Study
Analyzed 53,096 male pesticide applicators in Iowa and North Carolina from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) for incidences of thyroid cancer. Participants were surveyed at enrollment in the study between 1993 and 1997 and then interviewed again between 1999 and 2005. Data show incidences of thyroid cancer with a break down of age, state, production type, and more. Also shows association between thyroid cancer risk and long-term use of pesticides.
Author(s): Catherine C. Lerro, Laura E. Beane Freeman, Curt T. DellaValle, et al.
Citation: Environmental International 146 (2021), 106187
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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Safety Guidelines for Youth Operating Farm Equipment
Report highlights safety measures for youth ages 15-17 operating farm equipment. Details information on farm equipment hazards and risks for young workers, as well as federal and state regulations. Presents guidelines for the safe use of various forms of farm equipment by young workers.
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety
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A Look at Workplace Safety in Agriculture
Data brief illustrates workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting jobs in 2018. Breaks down data by event or exposure, such as falls, slips, trips, contact with objects and equipment, and exposure to harmful substances or environments, among others.
Citation: The Economics Daily
Date: 09/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Last Updated: 7/15/2024