Migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States: a review of health hazards, status, and policy
Sakala, C.
International Migration Review 21(3): 659-687
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0197-9183 PMID: 12314900 Document Number: 354299
Although the occupation and associated living conditions of migrant and seasonal agricultural workers in the USA pose exceptional health hazards to the workers and their dependents, relatively few occupational health professionals have been involved with this group. The paper examines the basis for this neglect and proposes a definition of the population that should be considered in farm worker health policy. It then reviews existing evidence regarding four major occupational hazards (pesticides, sun, injuries, and poor field sanitation), and policies developed to deal with these hazards. The extremely negative health consequences of farm worker living conditions, which are indirect occupational hazards, are also summarized. Numerous policy, planning, and research recommendations are made. Adequate solutions are considered to require significant sociopolitical advances, such as are developing with unionization and other forms of political organization.