Hazard Evaluation

COVID-19 Response: Co-Developing Culturally Relevant Messages for Farmworkers

The goal of this rapid response project was to co-develop accurate and approachable public service announcements, radio spots, social media messages, and infographics about COVID-19 for agricultural employees. Fifty surveys about trusted information sources were administered in conjunction with the COVID-19 Farmworker Study (COFS), which asked about the impact of the pandemic on work experience, transportation, housing, and healthcare access. It brought in researchers from the UW Department of Communications (Dr. Carmen Gonzalez) and UW Department of Health Services (Dr.

Wildfires and Human Health

A Wildfires and Human Health working group led by a team of researchers at the University of Washington and The Nature Conservancy. Our purpose is to develop a consensus-driven, evidence-based approach to identify and communicate the human health and health equity implications of wildfires versus ecological restoration-focused forest management, including managed and prescribed burns in the Western U.S.

Washington State Dairy Safety Network

The Dairy Safety Network project brings bilingual and bicultural safety materials and training opportunities to Northwest dairy owners and managers.

Through the Network, the online Dairy Safety Toolkit (DST) provides curated training materials and tools to be used for on-site training of dairy workers. Materials are in English and Spanish.

This portal also provides moderated discussion forums where users can share success stories and have questions answered by moderators.

Systemic Evaluation of Exoskeletons in Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Manual Timber Felling

This small pilot project assessed logging stakeholders’ interests in the use of exoskeletons to reduce musculoskeletal injuries. Due to COVID-19, this needs assessment was conducted through an online survey of Northwest logging workers, safety managers, and educators in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.

Our survey demonstrates that the NW forestry industry is generally very interested in exoskeleton technologies and is willing to adopt exoskeletons should it be proven to be effective and safe in various logging environments.

Use of Unexpected Events and Management Requiring Conditions in the Training and Management of Loggers

This pilot project is developing a novel system, with a simulated environment, where workers identify potential safety concerns and assign a severity rating to the safety concerns. This system will uncover factors in risk decision making for new logging workers, informing future safety training programs.

Due to COVID-19, we had to modify the project’s approach to the simulated scenarios. This challenge led to a creative engagement format that now allows for broader participation.

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