Journal of Agromedicine最新文献

Objective: Interest in wearable passive back-supports (exoskeletons/suits) has grown rapidly as a tool to reduce the risk of low back injury by reducing lumbar extensor muscle loading. Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of passive back-support exoskeleton/suit at reducing low back muscle activity/fatigue in a variety of tasks, but it is unclear whether an exoskeleton/exosuit intervention would be effective in agricultural harvesting tasks that require complex three-dimensional dynamic motions, long duration stooped postures, and variable engagement of the lower extremities. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of a passive lumbar support exosuit on muscle fatigue and comfort/mobility during a simulated harvesting task in a controlled laboratory setting.

Methods: Sixteen participants were asked to perform a continuous work task that simulated a 3-min bout of harvesting from a bush crop. Participants harvested at a rate of 1 unit per 2 s and were permitted to assume any effective harvesting position except a full kneeling posture. Test contractions and subjective assessments were performed before and after each 3-min bout of a simulated harvesting task to allow for an assessment of the 1) changes in objective measures of erector spinae muscle fatigue development (both time domain and frequency domain measures of muscle fatigue) and 2) subjective measures of physical fatigue, and 3) exosuit comfort and mobility constraints.

Results: The exosuit significantly mitigated the increases in EMG amplitude in the time domain (p = .015; Cohen's d = 0.46) indicating a mitigation of muscle fatigue, but there was no significant exosuit effect on median frequency (p = .145) or perceived fatigue in the low back (p = .289). In addition, the exosuit use was associated with significant increases in perceived movement restriction (p < .001; d = 0.82) which were also manifested in terms of significant effects of the exosuit on the magnitude of the 90^th percentile of the trunk flexion (p = .027, d = 0.29).

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated moderate muscle fatigue reduction effects at the cost of a negative impact on objective and subjective measures of trunk motion restrictions and comfort.

Commercial fishing is a dangerous occupation where injuries, stress, and traumatic events are common. This study determined probable Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) rates in a cohort of 142 commercial fishermen in the United States and assessed factors that influence PTSD outcomes and severity. Fishermen representing four fisheries were sampled: salmon gillnetters (Alaska), Dungeness crab (Oregon), scallopers and lobstermen (Massachusetts). Participants self-reported information on health, sleep, activity, and substance use through surveys, and responded to a brief PTSD screener (PC-PTSD-5) that assesses probable PTSD under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Positive PTSD screening rates in male fishermen were 12% (as compared to 10% for female fishermen), roughly three times the national average for US men (4%). Fishermen with self-reported depression, financial struggles, inability to control important things in their lives, difficulty going to (p = .0278) or staying (p = .038) asleep were significantly more likely to screen positive for PTSD. Factors influencing the severity of PTSD symptoms in those that have experienced a traumatic event included: financial insecurity, interpersonal concerns (family, crew), stress, and concern for safety on the vessel. Interestingly, sleep variables did not impact the severity of PTSD symptoms, only the outcome of probable PTSD. These results suggest the need to better understand the nature of traumatic events in fishing communities and to validate existing PTSD screening tools with fishermen to determine their accuracy in diagnosing PTSD in this population. Additionally, tailored behavioral health care for fishermen is essential to effective treatment and recovery from trauma.

Objectives: Farmers have higher risk of suicide than the general working population but are less likely to seek help from mainstream mental health services. Farmer-focused sources of support such as farmer helplines may be a viable alternative, and several currently operate internationally. However, it is unclear whether these specialized helplines collectively tend to be used and are acceptable or effective in reducing farmers' distress. This review aimed to fill this important knowledge gap.

Methods: The PRISMA 2020 guidelines, in consultation with the extension for scoping reviews, guided the review process. The search included 13 academic databases and grey literature via Google.

Results: The database search yielded 1,337 initial results and a Google search strategy resulted in 620 links to investigate. Data extraction was sought from 28 papers and 332 online links. We identified 35 unique helplines operating across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, India, and Austria. Farmers do use helplines when experiencing stress; however, we found little empirical evidence of the acceptability or effectiveness of helplines. Anecdotal evidence suggested farmers are more likely to trust telephone support services operated by people who understand the farming way of life.

Conclusion: Research in this area is scant but promising. Farmers and farming communities will use farmer helplines in times of elevated stress. However, there is a pressing need for more rigorous evaluation studies to determine their effectiveness in this at-risk group. Further, when designing farmer helplines, careful consideration should be given to the extent to which those answering calls understand farming.

Most deaths due to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) occur on public roads, despite manufacturers' warnings that they are not designed for roadway use. Our study objective was to determine rural residents' use, knowledge, and attitudes regarding ATVs/UTVs on public roads. A convenience sample of 2022 Farm Progress Show attendees were surveyed (N = 361). Over 90% and over 75% of ATV/UTV users had driven on unpaved and paved public roads, respectively. Respondents from farms had higher proportions riding more frequently on roadways. A majority of participants stated it was safe to drive on both unpaved and paved public roads. Around 60% and more than 40% agreed with statements that ATVs/UTVs were designed for riding on unpaved and paved public roads, respectively. Only 26% and 31% agreed that most ATV and most UTV deaths occur on public roads. Moreover, just 8-29% disagreed with the incorrect assertion that manufacturers state ATVs/UTVs are safe to ride on public roads. In conclusion, many participants frequently drove ATVs/UTVs and had false beliefs related to the safety of these vehicles on public roadways. Efforts to educate users about the dangers of riding off-road vehicles on public roads and how to decrease associated risks are sorely needed.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to examine the perspectives of agricultural employers and managers regarding wildfire smoke-related occupational health and safety protections. The aims were to (1) explore implementation and evaluation of the Washington (WA) State Department of Labor and Industries Wildfire Smoke Rule, (2) develop a survey to explore perspectives on the rule, and (3) examine the relationship between occupational roles and knowledge and training received related to components of the rule.

Methods: We used exploratory sequential mixed methods, including key informant interviews with industry stakeholders, survey design, and online survey administration to agricultural employers and managers. Thematic analysis of interviews informed survey design. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze survey results.

Results: Our team interviewed seven agricultural industry stakeholders. Three themes were identified: (1) competing demands and regulation fatigue, (2) workplace attitude and culture, and (3) suggestions for rule implementation and evaluation. Themes and components of the smoke rule were used to develop the survey. Of the 128 survey respondents, almost half (45.1%) reported owner or grower as their role and 39.3% reported supervisors or managers. Over half (51.6%) of respondents reported fewer than 25 employees in their workplace and 17.2% reported 250 or more employees. Respondents were from multiple WA counties and worked with various crops. Most employers and workers they supervise reported wildfire smoke exposure at work and related adverse symptoms. Almost one-third of respondents reported they had not heard of the smoke rule (33.3%). Over half of respondents have not received training on managing workers with smoke-related symptoms (53.9%). About one-third has not received training on air quality monitoring (40.0%), health effects of exposure (36.8%), and implementing protective controls (31.0%). Differences in knowledge and training on rule components by occupational role were insignificant.

Conclusion: Findings identify gaps in awareness and training regarding protection from wildfire smoke in the agricultural workplace, especially around symptom recognition and management. Barriers to implementing protective controls in the workplace were identified. Findings will inform targeted outreach and educational toolkits for the agricultural industry and support the development and evaluation of protective occupational health rules.

Riding lawnmowers are the most frequent cause of major limb amputation in children in the United States. Our study objective was to investigate the circumstances of child bystander-related riding lawnmower injuries and identify behaviors leading to these events. Followers/members of lawnmower injury-related Facebook pages, who were aware of children that had suffered a lawnmower injury, were invited to complete a survey. Qualitative analysis of open-ended questions was performed. Of 140 injured children, 97 (69%) were bystanders. Major themes identified that contributed to the bystander-related injury event included: supervision issues (40%), child not perceiving danger (40%), child allowed to be in vicinity of mower (23%), and mower-related issues (58%), especially mowing in reverse. The contributing risk factors identified for child bystander-related riding lawnmower injuries reinforce many safety directives including close supervision of children by someone other than the operator, and not allowing children outside when mowing is being performed. Many children injured were approaching the mower to get rides. Mower rides likely desensitize children to the inherent dangers and lead them to seek rides when mowers are being used. Mower design preventing blade operation in reverse and not giving children rides may be critical in decreasing bystander-related riding lawnmower injuries.

Objectives: Manure gases are deadly agricultural hazards that recently caused the deaths of two manure haulers and rural firefighters in New York in June 2024. This study had two objectives: 1) survey fire departments to learn about their use and promotion of four gas monitors in rural communities; 2) assess the Four Gas Monitor Program, a gas monitor distribution program in rural Wisconsin that targets first responders, to learn whether it is having an impact on rural community emergency preparedness.

Methods: A rapid, survey-based study was conducted in July 2024. The survey was distributed to the 81 fire departments that had members attend an Agriculture Rescue Training event, including 31 departments that had received gas monitors as a part of the Four Gas Monitor Program. The survey included questions about gas monitor use and promotion by the fire departments.

Results: Seventeen different departments responded to the survey. It was found that 16 of the 17 departments had four gas monitors, and 10 departments had received monitors from the Four Gas Monitor Program. Additionally, 13 departments informed their communities about the monitors, 3 used the monitors with farmers, and 15 departments had used monitors during an emergency response.

Conclusion: The study findings show that the Four Gas Monitor Program has successfully placed gas monitors into the hands of rural first responders, particularly in Central Wisconsin. The outcome of the Four Gas Monitor Program shows the potential for positively shaping the agricultural health and safety landscape through sustained work with first responders.

Objectives: Outdoor occupations like agriculture expose individuals to higher levels of ultraviolet radiation, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Although most individuals in agriculture recognize the importance of sun protection, adherence to preventive measures may be inconsistent. Our study aimed to explore sun protection behaviors among agricultural industry workers in Pennsylvania and identify specific barriers faced in practicing sun safety.

Methods: We conducted a convenience sample survey at the largest indoor agriculture exposition in the country (Pennsylvania Farm Show). The survey, based on established measures, assessed sun protection practices among agricultural industry workers using a 2-page questionnaire covering demographics, sun protection habits, barriers, and skin examination history. Exclusion criteria included not identifying as an agricultural industry worker, age under 18, and inability to read and understand English. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and multivariable logistic regression, controlling for age, gender, education, skin tone, previous skin cancer diagnosis, and occupational sector, were employed in analysis.

Results: The response rate was 86%, with 7 of 202 surveys excluded (n = 195). Regarding sun exposure knowledge, 63.1% believed their skin cancer risk was higher than indoor workers, and 80.0% perceived unprotected sun exposure as harmful. However, 71.8% reported infrequent sunscreen use. The most common barrier to sun protection was forgetting (49.2%), and 59.0% noted their workplace lacked built-in sun protection. Regression models revealed lower education, darker skin tones, and male gender as significant predictors of underestimating sun exposure risks (p < .01). Men were less likely than women to discuss sun protection with their primary care providers, undergo skin checks, or receive sun protection information from healthcare providers (p < .05). Additionally, men were less likely than women to regularly wear and reapply sunscreen but more likely to wear hats of any type (p < .05).

Conclusion: Despite awareness of skin cancer risk, reported sun protection usage among agricultural industry workers in Pennsylvania was inconsistent, highlighting the need for interventions tailored to addressing barriers like forgetfulness. This study compares sun protection practices between occupational sectors within agriculture. Future qualitative research studies focusing on specific sectors and their unique practices are crucial for developing tailored messaging strategies and targeted, workplace-based interventions.

Incubator and accelerator programs are important tools for innovators looking to take their ideas to scale. Unfortunately for agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AgFF) populations who are at high risk for occupational injuries and fatalities, few safety and health solutions have graduated from these programs. This brief report explores what it will take to develop an incubator process specific to AgFF safety and health innovations and ensure that those innovations are accessible to and adopted by workers.

Objectives: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses an occupational risk for poultry workers, responders, and others in contact with infected birds. The objective of this analysis was to describe HPAI surveillance methods and outcomes, and highlight the challenges, successes, and lessons learned during the Minnesota Department of Health's (MDH's) public health response to HPAI outbreaks in Minnesota poultry flocks in the years 2015 and 2022-2023.

Methods: During both outbreaks, MDH staff attempted to contact all potentially exposed people and conduct a standardized interview. People were considered exposed and at risk if they had entered a barn with poultry on any HPAI test-positive premises. With their consent, exposed persons were entered into illness monitoring until 10 days from their last exposure. In 2015, MDH monitored the health of poultry workers only. In the 2022-2023 response, MDH monitored the health of poultry workers, backyard flock owners, responders, and private contract workers. In 2022-2023, interview responses were entered into a REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) database in real time, which automatically entered the person into monitoring if they consented. Through REDCap, they received an automated email with a unique link to a short survey asking about any symptom development. Where appropriate, interview responses from poultry workers collected in 2015 were compared to interview responses from poultry workers collected in 2022-2023.

Results: From March 3 to June 5, 2015, MDH epidemiologists interviewed and evaluated 375 (86%) of 435 poultry workers from 110 HPAI-infected flocks. From March 25, 2022 through December 31, 2023, MDH epidemiologists interviewed and evaluated 649 (65%) of 992 poultry workers, responders, contractors, and backyard flock owners associated with 151 HPAI-infected flocks. Among poultry workers, self-reported personal protective equipment (PPE) usage declined significantly from 2015 to 2022-2023 (full PPE usage 51.8% vs. 23.9%, p < .01).

Conclusion: MDH's long standing relationships with animal health officials and the poultry industry resulted in strong poultry worker participation rates in surveillance efforts during HPAI outbreaks in 2015 and 2022-2023. Self-reported PPE usage was low, particularly in 2022-2023. Improvements in PPE accessibility and technology are needed to protect workers and responders in the on-going HPAI outbreak.