title: Heat-related illness in Washington State agriculture and forestry sectors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We sought to describe heat-related illness (HRI) in agriculture and forestry workers in Washington State.
  
  
  METHODS
  Demographic and clinical Washington State Fund workers' compensation agriculture and forestry HRI claims data (1995-2009) and Washington Agriculture Heat Rule citations (2009-2012) were accessed and described. Maximum daily temperature (Tmax) and Heat Index (HImax) were estimated by claim date and location using AgWeatherNet's weather station network.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 84 Washington State Fund agriculture and forestry HRI claims and 60 Heat Rule citations during the study period. HRI claims and citations were most common in crop production and support subsectors. The mean Tmax (HImax) was 95°F (99°F) for outdoor HRI claims. Potential HRI risk factors and HRI-related injuries were documented for some claims.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Agriculture and forestry HRI cases are characterized by potential work-related, environmental, and personal risk factors. Further work is needed to elucidate the relationship between heat exposure and occupational injuries.
authors: Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
authors: June T
authors: JT
authors: Spector
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Krenz
authors: Edmund
authors: E
authors: Rauser
authors: David K
authors: DK
authors: Bonauto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D000383:Agriculture; D005260:Female; D016468:Forestry; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: agricultural workers; farm workers; forestry workers; heat exhaustion; heat stroke; heat-related illness; workers' compensation