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Biomedical subjects

S J Reynolds

Publications and source records attributed to S J Reynolds.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Total dust and endotoxin in poultry operations: comparison between cage and floor housing and respiratory effects in workers.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess respiratory outcomes and environmental exposure levels of workers in cage-housed and floor-housed poultry operations. METHODS: Poultry operations were evaluated for total dust, endotoxin, and ammonia, and respiratory symptoms and lung function tests of workers were conducted. RESULTS: Workers in floor-housed poultry operations had significantly greater exposures to total dust and ammonia, whereas workers from cage-housed poultry operations reported greater frequency of current and chronic symptoms overall and significantly greater current and chronic phlegm (39% vs 18% and 40% vs 11%, respectively). Endotoxin concentration (EU/mg) was a significant predictor (P = 0.05) of chronic phlegm for all poultry workers. CONCLUSIONS: Greater endotoxin concentration in the presence of significantly lower total dust, in conjunction with greater respiratory symptoms in workers from cage-housed poultry operations, as compared with workers from floor-housed poultry operations, appears to indicate that differences in environmental exposures may impact respiratory outcomes of workers.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

High rates of syphilis among STI patients are contributing to the spread of HIV-1 in India.

BACKGROUND: Recent syphilis outbreaks have raised concern regarding the potential enhancement of HIV transmission. The incidence of syphilis and its association with HIV-1 infection rates among a cohort of sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic attendees was investigated. METHODS: 2732 HIV-1 seronegative patients attending three STI and one gynaecology clinic, were enrolled from 1993-2000 in an ongoing prospective cohort study of acute HIV-1 infection in Pune, India. At screening and quarterly follow up visits, participants underwent HIV-1 risk reduction counselling, risk behaviour assessment and HIV/STI screening that included testing for serological evidence of syphilis by RPR with TPHA confirmation. Patients with genital ulcers were screened with dark field microscopy. RESULTS: Among 2324 participants who were HIV-1 and RPR seronegative at baseline, 172 participants were found to have clinical or laboratory evidence of syphilis during follow up (5.4 per 100 person years, 95% CI 4.8 to 6.5 per 100 person years). Independent predictors of syphilis acquisition based on a Cox proportional hazards model included age less than 20 years, lack of formal education, earlier calendar year of follow up, and recent HIV-1 infection. Based on a median follow up time of 11 months, the incidence of HIV-1 was 5.8 per 100 person years (95% CI 5.0 to 6.6 per 100 person years). Using a Cox proportional hazards model to adjust for known HIV risk factors, the adjusted hazard ratio of HIV-1 infection associated with incident syphilis was 4.44 (95% CI 2.96 to 6.65; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A high incidence rate of syphilis was observed among STI clinic attendees. The elevated risk of HIV-1 infection that was observed among participants with incident syphilis supports the hypothesis that syphilis enhances the sexual transmission of HIV-1 and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Tractor overturn concerns in Iowa: perspectives from the Keokuk county rural health study.

Agriculture remains one of the most hazardous industries in the U.S., with tractor overturns producing the greatest number of agricultural machinery-related fatalities. Rollover protective structures (ROPS) and seatbelts effectively reduce tractor overturn deaths. However, a large proportion of tractors in use in American agriculture are older tractors without ROPS and seatbelts. This article describes the tractor-related responses from participants in a population-based study conducted in Keokuk County, Iowa. This study was designed to measure rural and agricultural adverse health and injury outcomes and their respective risk factors. Questionnaires were partially developed from well-documented national surveys. Questions about agricultural machinery use, presence of safety equipment on the machinery, work practices, and attitudes about farm safety were included. Study participants on farms who owned tractors had an average of 3.1 tractors with an average age of 27 years. Only 39% of the 665 tractors had ROPS. Tractor age was associated with the presence of ROPS; 84% of tractors manufactured after 1984 were ROPS-equipped, whereas only 3% of tractors manufactured before 1960 were ROPS-equipped. ROPS-equipped tractors were significantly more common on larger farms and households with higher income. Only 4% of the farmers reported that their tractors had seatbelts and they wore them when operating their tractors. The results of this study support the findings of other studies, which indicate that many older tractors without ROPS and seatbelts remain in use in American agriculture. Until a dramatic reduction in the number of tractors in the U.S. operated without ROPS and seatbelts is achieved, the annual incidence of 120 to 130 deaths associated with tractor overturns will persist.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2006

The community benefits of farm safety day camps.

In addition to the direct impact of a farm safety day camp on its participants' knowledge and safety awareness, there are extended and indirect effects that occur through the wider dispersion of information and the involvement and cooperation of community members. Reports completed by 228 coordinators of farm safety day camps, report forms completed by 5,037 volunteers at farm safety day camps, and telephone interviews with 924 parents of farm safety day camp participants were analyzed for evidence of the impact of the camps beyond the immediate knowledge gained by the children who participated. These data indicate that the indirect benefits to a community include enhanced safety awareness within the wider community as children and adult volunteers disseminate the information they learned, as well as enhanced community strength and cohesiveness resulting from the cooperation of many individuals and organizations in achieving a common goal.

Accident Prevention↗
PubMed2005

Safety-related knowledge and behavior changes in participants of farm safety day camps.

Significant resources are devoted to conducting farm safety day camps throughout North America, but the impact and effectiveness of these programs has not been systematically demonstrated. This project assessed changes in safety-related knowledge and behaviors among participants in the Progressive Farmer Farm Safety Day Camp program. A written pre-test and a three-month telephone post-test were administered to three samples of participants, ages 8 to 13, in camps held in 1999, 2000, and 2001. A sample of 20 to 30 camps was included in each year of the study, with a total sample of 1,780 participants for all three years. The pre-test and post-test contained questions related to first aid and to safety around animals, ATVs, farm equipment, flowing grains, and tractors. Three scores were computed from responses to 20 knowledge and behavior items. A knowledge score indicated the number of 8 knowledge items answered correctly, a behavior risk score indicated the amount of risk exposure for the child based on 8 behavior items, and an ATV safety gear risk score indicated, for those who rode ATVs, the level of risk due to lack of proper safety gear (4 items). From pre-test to post-test, there was an increase in knowledge scores and a decrease in behavior risk scores and ATV safety gear risk scores. These changes were consistent both for males and females, for farm residents and non-farm residents, and across all ages in the sample. These results support claims for the effectiveness of farm safety day camps for increasing knowledge and improving safe practices among camp participants.

Accident Prevention↗
PubMed2004

Vegetable oil sprinkling as a dust reduction method in swine confinement.

The aim of this project was evaluate the effectiveness of an oil sprinkling system as a dust-reduction method for swine production facilities. This article presents the results of the second-year experiment of a multi-year study. The first-year experiment demonstrated that a 5% oil-water emulsion automatically applied at the rate of 3 and 5 g/pig/day achieved a 23% to 34% reduction in total dust. The modifications for the second year experiment included: (1) increasing oil application rate to 7 and 8 g/pig/day, (2) replacing sprinkler heads to achieve a smaller droplet size and a more direct spray pattern on pen-floor surfaces, and (3) more closely matching the treatment and control rooms by stage in the pig production cycle. Four swine finishing rooms were used for this study; two were treatment rooms (soybean oil at 7 g/pig/day, and canola oil 8 g/pig/day) and two were control rooms. The treatment rooms had a low-pressure oil-sprinkling system, which sprinkled 5% oil-to-water mixture 12 times per day, 12 s each time. Concentrations of several environmental contaminants were measured. The average total dust concentration in the control rooms was 1.39 mg/m3. The average total dust concentration in the treatment rooms was 0.65 mg/m3. The treatment reduced dust by an average of 52%, (p = 0.0001). There was no difference in the degree of dust control between soybean oil and canola oil. The respirable dust concentrations were very low in all rooms, and there were no significant differences between rooms in ammonia, carbon dioxide, temperature, or humidity.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed2002

Mortality and morbidity in agriculture in the United States.

This article summarizes the trends in agricultural injuries and illnesses in the past decade, as well as the needs for surveillance in the future. Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the U.S. The fatality rate in agriculture remained high (about 22/100,000 workers) through the 1990s. and tractors remained the leading source of death, causing approximately 300 fatalities each year. Non-fatal injuries and illnesses decreased in the employed agricultural worker population. There are no adequate injury and illness data for self-employed farmers and family members to show trends over time. The reported injury rates have been 0.5 to 16.6/100 workers, based on the source of information. Many studies have shown high rates of respiratory and musculoskeletal symptoms, hearing loss, and skin disorders in agriculture. The overall cancer rate is lower; however, certain cancers are elevated in farmers. Surveillance information has not improved significantly in the past decade; however, many studies have provided more insight into the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for injury and illness. Further efforts are needed to better define the populations at risk, including farmers and ranchers, family members, workers, migrant and seasonal workers, and others exposed to farm hazards. Fatalities are well documented, and it is important to continue existing surveillance in the future. Surveillance systems should be developed to collect information on agriculture-related non-fatal injuries and illnesses.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2001

Risk factors for injury in rural Iowa: round one of the Keokuk County Rural Health Study.

BACKGROUND: Unintentional injuries represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in rural communities. This study aimed to determine the distribution of injury risk factors in a rural Iowa community and to identify the rural subgroups at highest risk for injury. METHODS: We reported on 1583 participants, aged > or =25 years, from Round One of the Keokuk County Rural Health Study, a longitudinal panel study of a rural community. The self-reported data were collected during face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Our data suggested that several risk factors for injury are not uniformly distributed among rural populations. Male farmers were significantly less likely to wear their seatbelts than townspeople or rural nonfarmers. However, farm women were as likely to wear seatbelts as other women. Both male and female farmers were more likely to use all-terrain vehicles than townspeople or rural nonfarmers. In contrast, townspeople were more likely to ride bicycles than either farmers or rural nonfarmers. Townspeople were less likely to have firearms in their homes than either farmers or rural nonfarmers. Farmers were most likely to have fired a gun in the last year. Male farmers aged <65 years were less than half as likely as other men the same age to report a history of alcohol abuse. Binge drinking was equally frequent among farmers, rural nonfarmers, and townspeople. CONCLUSIONS: These differences in risk behavior in a rural county suggest the possibility of targeting specific rural injury prevention interventions at those with the highest risk for dangerous behavior.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Comparison of a direct-reading device to gravimetric methods for evaluating organic dust aerosols in an enclosed swine production environment.

The production of livestock in enclosed facilities has become an accepted practice, driven by the need for increased efficiency. Exposure to organic dusts, containing various bioactive components, has been identified an important risk factor for the high rate of lung disease found among workers in these environments. Assessment of organic dust exposure requires technical skills and instrumentation not readily available to most agricultural enterprises. Development of a simple, cost-effective method for measuring organic dust levels would be useful in evaluating and controlling exposures in these environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the direct reading MIE PDM-3 Miniram for estimating organic dust concentrations in enclosed swine production facilities. Responses from the MIE PDM-3 Miniram were compared to gravimetric methods for total and inhalable dust. Total dust determinations were conducted in accordance with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method 0500. Inhalable particulate mass (IPM) sampling was conducted using SKC brand IOM (Institute of Occupational Medicine) sampling cassettes, which meet the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists ACGIH criteria for inhalable dust sampling. This study design also allowed for the comparison of traditional total dust method to the IPM method, in collecting organic dusts in an agricultural setting. Fifteen sets of side-by-side samples (Miniram, total dust, and IPM) were collected over a period of six months in a swine confinement building. There were statistically significant differences in the results provided by the three sampling methods. Measurements for inhalable dust exceeded those for total dust in eleven of fifteen samples. The Miniram time-weighted average (TWA) response to the organic dust was always the lower of the three methods. A high degree of correlation was found among all three methods. The Miniram performed well under field conditions of varying temperature and humidity. The Miniram has the potential to predict the inhalable and total dust concentrations, assuming a correction factor for the organic dust being measured is applied.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2001

Indoor environmental quality in six commercial office buildings in the midwest United States.

The aims of this study were to characterize physical, mechanical, and environmental factors influencing indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in commercial office buildings; document occupant perceptions and psychosocial attributes; and evaluate relationships among these parameters. Six large office buildings in metropolitan areas were selected in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Comprehensive sampling was conducted over one week in each building, during all four seasons. This paper presents the study methods and selected results from the first round of sampling (November 1996 to April 1997). Air flow and recirculation rates were quite variable, with the proportion of outdoor air provided to occupants ranging from 10 to 79 CFM/person. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and temperature were within ranges anticipated for nonproblem buildings. Relative humidity was low, ranging from 11.7 to 24.0 percent. Indoor geometric mean concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) ranged from 73 to 235 microg/m3. The most prevalent compounds included xylene, toluene, 2-propanol, limonene, and heptane. Geometric mean formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 1.7 to 13.3 microg/m3, and mean acetaldehyde levels ranged from <3.0 to 7.5 microg/m3. Airborne concentrations of culturable bacteria and fungi were low, with no samples exceeding 150 CFU/m3. Total (direct count) bioaerosols were more variable, ranging from 5010 to 10,700 organisms/m3. Geometric mean endotoxin concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 3.0 EU/m3. Respirable particulates (PM10) were low (14 to 36 microg/m3). Noise levels ranged from 48 to 56 dBA, with mean light values ranging from 200 to 420 lux. Environmental parameters were significantly correlated with each other. The prevalence of upper respiratory symptoms (dry eyes, runny nose), central nervous system symptoms (headache, irritability), and musculoskeletal symptoms (pain/stiffness in shoulders/neck) were elevated compared to other studies using similar questionnaires. Importantly, psychosocial factors were significantly related to increased symptoms in females, while environmental factors were more closely correlated with symptoms in males. Endotoxin concentrations were associated with symptoms in both males and females. These data will help to identify and quantify the relative role of factors that contribute to sick building syndrome. The data collected in this study may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of current building operation practices, and can be used to prioritize allocations of resources for reduction of risk associated with IEQ complaints.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Inheritance and variation in eggshell patterning in the great tit Parus major.

The inheritance of patterns on avian eggshells is central to understanding the evolution of traits such as egg mimicry (e.g. in cuckoos). Yet little is known about the inheritance, or indeed function, of eggshell patterns. It has long been believed that the evolution of eggshell pattern mimicry required that patterns be determined by genes situated on the female-specific W chromosome. However, it has never been demonstrated for any bird that egg pattern traits (rather than ground colour) are female sex linked, or indeed that they are inherited. We studied the inheritance of three measures of egg-pigment patterns in a wild great tit population. Egg patterns were female specific but unrelated to female attributes such as age or condition and showed only weak environmental effects. Eggs of daughters resembled those of both their mothers and maternal grandmothers, but not of their paternal grandmothers. We conclude that this is the first demonstration of female sex-linked inheritance of avian eggshell patterning, so raising the probability that such a system operates in egg mimics and their hosts.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Respiratory symptoms: associations with pesticides, silos, and animal confinement in the Iowa Farm Family Health and Hazard Surveillance Project.

BACKGROUND: Farmers are at risk for airways diseases resulting from exposures which include organic agents and chemicals on the farm. Few data on airways disease and farm exposures are available from population-based studies. The Iowa Farm Family Health and Hazard Surveillance Project provided the opportunity to assess associations between symptoms of airway disease and several farm exposures, including pesticides, grain dust, animal confinement, and exposures from silos, in a population-based study. METHODS: A stratified two-stage cluster sample was used to provide a representative farmer sample from the state. Participants provided questionnaire responses concerning demographic, respiratory symptoms, smoking, and exposure information. Associations between farm exposures and airways disease symptoms were assessed in the 385 farmer participants using chi(2) analysis and logistic regression analysis adjusting for age and smoking. RESULTS: The most frequently reported respiratory symptoms were flu-like symptoms in connection with dusty work (22%), dyspnea (21%), and phlegm (15%). Current smoking was uncommon (13%). Among farmers, applying pesticides to livestock was associated with significantly increased odds of phlegm (OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.02-3.57), chest ever wheezy (OR = 3.92, 95% CI 1.76-8.72), and flu-like symptoms (OR = 2.93, 95% CI 1.69-5.12) in models adjusting for age and smoking. Conventional vertical silos were significantly associated with increased odds of chest ever wheezy (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 1.23-6.12) and flu-like symptoms (OR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.31-4.37). There were also significant associations between several respiratory symptoms and the presence of animal confinement facilities on the farm. CONCLUSIONS: The association between insecticide application to livestock and symptoms of airways disease is a new finding that could lead to further study of specific airway responses and exposures associated with this practice. Results confirming associations between respiratory symptoms and conventional vertical silos may be important in future studies aimed at prevention and control of exposures in those farm buildings.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Effectiveness of roll-over protective structures in reducing farm tractor fatalities.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of roll-over protection structures (ROPS) as an engineering control for prevention of fatalities from farm tractor roll-overs. METHODS: Using a systematic approach to literature searching, relevant studies from peer-reviewed journals, technical and government reports, and unpublished reports were retrieved. Studies meeting initial criteria for possible inclusion were screened to determine whether they addressed the review topic (ROPS), included comparison data and included outcomes data such as injury or fatality. Articles that evaluated the use and impact of ROPS on operators of agricultural tractors were reviewed. Outcomes included two primary categories: implementation of ROPS and fatalities. MAIN RESULTS: Of a total 207 citations reviewed, 53 met initial screening criteria and 21 studies were included in this review. Farm tractor roll-overs result in approximately 200 fatalities per year in the United States. ROPS or crush-proof cabs, which are designed to protect the farmer during a roll-over incident, are currently used on only about 50% of the estimated 4.8 million tractors in the United States. A significant proportion of tractors built after 1985 (when manufacturers began implementing a voluntary ROPS standard) have had ROPS removed. Evidence from Sweden and other Northern European countries clearly demonstrates that ROPS can essentially eliminate roll-over fatalities. In the United States, the only fatalities associated with roll-overs of ROPS-equipped tractors occurred when farmers did not use a seatbelt to hold them within the protective envelope of the ROPS. Estimates of costs of programs to retrofit older tractors with ROPS range from approximately $500,000 to $900,000 per life saved, which is comparable to other accepted life-saving interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Future research efforts should include the development of collapsible and telescoping ROPS that can be used in low clearance areas such as dairy barns and fruit orchards. ROPS retrofits also need to be developed for many older tractor models. Effective educational and incentive programs need to be developed to increase the acceptance and use of ROPS among U.S. farmers. A national policy should be implemented to ensure that all tractors operated in the United States are equipped with ROPS or crush-proof cabs.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2000

Dose-response relationships between occupational aerosol exposures and cross-shift declines of lung function in poultry workers: recommendations for exposure limits.

Numerous articles have been published regarding the adverse respiratory health consequences of working in intensive livestock and poultry housing. Threshold limit exposure guidelines are not currently applied to this environment, but they are essential to implement and monitor effective environmental controls. Previous dose-response research work with swine workers has resulted in exposure limit recommendations of 2.5 mg/m3 total dust, 0.23 mg/m3 respirable dust, 100 EU/m3 endotoxin, and 7 ppm ammonia. No similar recommendations have been reported previously for poultry workers. Therefore, an industry-wide study was conducted to examine dose-response relationships of bioaerosol exposures and worker respiratory health. A total of 257 poultry workers were studied for respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, and exposure to dust (total and respirable), endotoxin (respirable and total), and ammonia. Details of the sampling plan and environmental assessment are described elsewhere. Relationships between exposures and response were studied by correlation and multiple regressions. Significant dose-response relationships were observed between exposures and pulmonary function decrements over a work shift. Exposure concentrations associated with significant pulmonary function decrements were as follows: 2.4 mg/m3 total dust, 0.16 mg/m3 respirable dust, 614 EU/m3 endotoxin, and 12 ppm ammonia.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Prevalence of elevated blood leads and exposure to lead in construction trades in Iowa and Illinois.

BACKGROUND: Despite lowering of the permissible exposure level for lead in construction from 200 to 50 microg/m3 in 1993, excessive lead exposure continues to be a problem. Relatively little data are available from the Midwestern U.S. on the environmental lead concentrations generated during various construction activities and the potential for worker exposure. This study characterized the prevalence of blood lead concentrations in high-risk construction trades in Iowa/Illinois, and identified risk factors for occupational exposure to lead in these construction workers. METHODS: A sample of 459 workers was selected from the total population of all union members from trade groups of painters, plumbers/pipefitters, ironworkers, laborers, and electricians. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire obtaining information on demographics, symptoms, occupational history, work practices, personal protective equipment, and training. Venous blood samples were collected from each participant and analyzed for blood lead (using atomic absorption spectroscopy) and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels. RESULTS: Blood lead levels (BLLs) of construction workers ranged from 0.1 to 50 microg/dL. Geometric mean blood lead concentrations by trade group were: laborers (7.6 microg/dL, n = 80); painters (5.9 microg/dL, n = 83); ironworkers (5.2 microg/dL, n = 87); plumbers (4.4 microg/dL, n = 82); electricians (2.4 microg/dL, n = 91). Blood lead levels for painters and laborers were significantly higher than other trade groups, and levels for electricians were significantly lower (p < 0. 01). Participants reported working primarily on commercial and industrial projects including new construction, renovation, and demolition. There were significant differences between the types of projects performed by different trade groups with laborers performing more highway/bridge renovation (p < 0.01), and plumbers reporting more residential remodeling (p = 0.05), repair of water lines containing lead (p = 0.04), or work on lead joints (p < 0.01). In addition to trade, elevated blood lead levels were associated with the type of construction project (especially bridge renovation and residential remodeling) and activities that include welding, cutting, rivet busting. The age of the home in which the worker lived, and hobbies such as casting/smelting lead for bullets or sinkers, were also important risk factors. Compliance with OSHA's Construction Lead Standard, and implementation of good occupational health and safety practices in general, was poor. CONCLUSIONS: Blood lead levels of 459 construction workers differed by the type of trade, type of project and specific job activity owing to differences in the inherent exposure potential of each task. Although the numbers of workers performing lead abatement projects were small, the trend for lower BLL in this group provides evidence that training, implementation of engineering controls, and proper use of personal protective equipment such as respirators is effective in controlling lead poisoning.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Evaluation of reports of periconceptual occupational exposure: maternal-assessed versus industrial hygienist-assessed exposure.

BACKGROUND: While the number of women entering the work force has grown, so has the importance of investigating occupational reproductive hazards. The objective of this study was to examine the concordance between maternal-assessed and industrial hygienist-assessed exposure to four classes of occupational agents - video display terminals, paints, solvents, and agricultural chemicals. METHODS: Case (n=87) and control (n=102) mothers who participated in a population-based study of orofacial clefts provided occupational histories and exposure (yes/no) to selected classes of agents for the one-year period prior to their child's delivery. Two industrial hygienists reviewed the occupational histories and assigned mothers an exposure status for each class of agent. Using industrial hygienist-assessed exposure as the "gold standard", sensitivity and specificity of maternal reports were calculated for each class of agent. Kappa statistics were calculated for the study population to account for chance agreement between the two exposure assessment methods. RESULTS: Sensitivity estimates for cases were the highest for video display terminals (77%) and lowest for agricultural chemicals (14%). Respective estimates for controls were 74% and 14%. Specificity estimates tended to be high for both groups. Kappa values ranged from 0.16-0.45. CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the classes of agents examined, these data suggest screening questions alone may not be the preferred method of obtaining occupational exposure histories, even when the time period of interest is fairly short and recent.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Application of a subjective health and safety rating system to Iowa farm operations.

A rapid, subjective health and safety assessment tool was developed and applied to 121 farm operations visited during a cross-sectional, on-farm industrial hygiene (IH) study of the Iowa Farm Family Health and Hazard Surveillance Project (IFFHHSP). The study utilized a single field investigator who conducted visits of farm operations from August 1995 to July 1996. The farm operations visited were randomly selected from a stratified, two-stage cluster sample of Iowa farm operations. The tool developed and applied to each farm operation--the Site Rank System--was based on the average of scores assigned to four different farm characteristics, which we believed would predict the health and safety status of the farm operations. Two of these characteristics were based on an assessment of each farm's operator (operator attitude and operator practices) and the other two were based on weighted scores assigned to physical components of the farm operation (status of facilities and status of equipment). The Site Rank System was found to have been assigned consistently, but an analysis comparing the Site Rank System scores to initial in-depth medical and environmental data gathered from the visited farm operations via self-reported questionnaires showed little correlation with outcomes. However, self-reported injuries (11 total) which occurred to the principal farm operators of the farm operations visited during the on-farm IH study phase (August 1995 to July 1996) correlated with low Site Rank System scores.

Agriculture↗