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.

A Multi-Level Approach to Heat-Related Illness Prevention for Agricultural Workers

This project proposes to develop and evaluate a multi-level approach to heat-related illness (HRI) prevention in agricultural workers. The intervention will develop tools to prevent the negative health effects of prolonged heat for individuals (knowledge and behaviors), workplaces (policies and practices), and communities (homes).

Notification of Pesticide Applications to Minimize Workplace Exposures

Farmworker exposure to agricultural pesticide drift is a high priority concern for public health. In May 2014, the Washington Department of Health (WA DOH) alerted state agencies and growers of a spike in pesticide spray drift illness cases among orchard workers. Over a two-month period, approximately 60 individuals were exposed to pesticides in 15 drift events, which is equal to the number of cases that the agency normally sees over the course of an entire year.

Using IPM to Reduce Pyrethroid Pesticide Exposures in Dairy Workers

This project partners with Washington State University to reduce pesticide use in dairy operations by introducing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in these workplaces. We are working with a network of participants to develop a robust and practical IPM program that provides evidence for cost-effective interventions that can reduce pesticide usage in these farm operations.

Improving PPE Effectiveness in Agricultural Applications

This project responds to specified PPE needs for the tree fruit and related industries in Washington State that can reduce pesticide handler exposure and potential pesticide-related illness. Three safety concerns of WA airblast pesticide applicators were addressed: 1) data-driven respirator cartridge change-out schedule, 2) field efficacy of gloves used by pesticide handlers, 3) the effectiveness of a PPE hat that could be used with PPE suits and jackets.

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