Farmworker-Relevant Heat Exposure in Different Crop and Shade Conditions.
John C FlunkerJune T SpectorMaria BlancasNicole L BriggsMiriam FloresCarolyn Reeb- WhitakerTodd SchoonoverTamre CardosoPublished in: Journal of agromedicine (2024)
Shade canopies, but not the crops studied, provided significant reductions in heat exposure. We observed increased protection from heat assuming longer shaded breaks and reduced effort levels. Results highlight the need for additional field research on the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of different shade types and work-rest cycles to guide employer optimization of best practices for worker protections, including acclimatization before high heat, sufficient shaded rest time, reduced effort levels as the day warms, and avoiding work in peak heat.