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Occupational heat-related fatalities: Investigation of a sugarcane worker death in Louisiana

Abstract No:

1536

Abstract Type:

Professional Poster

Authors:

D Harrington¹

Institutions:

¹LSU Health, School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA

Presenter:

Daniel Harrington
LSU Health, School of Public Health

Description:

Heat-related mortality is a persistent and growing occupational health problem, and Louisiana had the fourth highest occupational heat-related fatality rate in the United States between 2017-2022. This study presents the results of a detailed investigation of how a sugarcane worker died from exertional heatstroke and concludes with recommendations about how this death could have been prevented.

Situation / Problem:

Heat-related mortality is a persistent and growing occupational health problem, and Louisiana has one of the highest occupational heat-related fatality rates in the United States. An investigation of a sugarcane worker death from exertional heatstroke was conducted to identify the root causes.

Methods:

OSHA's fatality investigation database was screened to identify an occupational heat-related fatality in Louisiana. Once this case was identified, a freedom of information request was submitted to obtain OSHA's investigation report. Data from OSHA's report included training data, working conditions, interviews with supervisors and co-workers, photographs, and environmental conditions on the day of the death. These data were analyzed to identify the root causes of this fatality from which recommendations were developed to prevent future occupational heat-related deaths.

Results / Conclusions:

On his first day planting sugarcane environmental conditions were hazardous (WGBT=90.4F, heat index = 98.3F). His co-workers and supervisor reported that he had been exhibiting symptoms of heat-related illness within just the first few hours of work, however preventive action was not taken in time to halt the onset of exertional heatstroke that resulted in his death. This employer was missing several elements of a successful heat-related illness prevention program, which include insufficient acclimatization, lack of adequate breaks and shade, and failure to monitor for heat-related illness symptoms. If a comprehensive heat-related illness prevention program been in place this death could have been prevented.

Core Competencies:

Thermal Stressors

Keywords

Choose at least one (1), and up to five, (5) keywords from the following list. These selections will optimize your presentation's search results for attendees.

Thermal stress protection and monitoring

Peer Review Group Selection

Based on the selected primary competency area of your proposal, select one group below that would be best suited to serve as a subject matter expert for peer review: (Select one)

Thermal Stress Working Group

Targeted Audience (IH/OH Practice Level)

Based on the information that will be presented during your proposed session, please indicate the targeted audience practice level: (select one)

Practitioner: Practitioner is a job title given to persons in various occupational fields who are trained to assist professionals but are not themselves licensed or certified at a professional level by a certification body recognized by the National Accreditation Recognition (NAR) Committee of IOHA. The IH/OH practitioner performs tasks requiring significant knowledge and skill in the IH/OH field, such as conducting worker exposure monitoring and, in some cases, may even function independently of a professional IH/OH but may not be involved in the breadth of IH/OH practice nor have the level of responsibility of a professional IH/OH certified by examination. The IH/OH practitioner requires a certain level of education that can be obtained from an accredited university or equivalent. Additional training in specific skill sets that provide additional career paths to the IH/OH practitioner can also be obtained. IH/OH practitioners may also serve as team leaders or project managers.

Volunteer Groups

Was this session organized by an AIHA Technical Committee, Special Interest Group, Working Group, Advisory Group or other AIHA project Team?

Worker Exposure Data and/ or Results

Are worker exposure data and/or results of worker exposure data analysis presented?

Practical Application

How will this help advance the science of IH/OH?

Thermal stress is a well recognized hazard in both the occupational and non-occupational environment. Heat-related illnesses and fatalities continue to occur at an unacceptably high level, and with relatively simple interventions most of these illnesses and fatalities can be prevented.

Content Level

What level would you consider your presentation content geared towards?

Intermediate: Specific topics within a subject. The participant would have two (2) to ten (10) years experience in industrial hygiene or OEHS and a good understanding of the subject area, but not of the specific topic presented. Prerequisites required: another course, skill, or working knowledge of the general subject.