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Sugarcane harvesting in Costa Rica is a labor-intense job that is done during the hottest part of the year. Harvesters are often migrants and/or face extreme socio-economic situations. This study aimed to quantify the heat stress risk and the possible health effects experienced by harvesters.
Methods
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) was measured in the field where harvesters were working during 6 days of 2010-2011 harvest. Metabolic load and a threshold limit WBGT for continuous work was calculated according to the Technical Prevention Norms recommended by the Ministry of Labor and Social Aspects in Spain. Additionally, symptom questionnaires were conducted with harvesters (n=112) and non-harvesters (n= 63). The amount of water consumed by harvesters was recorded.
Results
The majority of workers labored 5-6 hours each day. The WBGT threshold limit for continuous work based on the metabolic load was determined to be 26°C. The average WBGTs measured were 22.5°C (6:00-7:00am); 27.2°C (7:15-9:00am); 30.8 (9:15-11:00am); and 31.7 (11:15am-12:00pm). There was therefore a risk of heat stress during the majority of the workshift starting before 9:00 am. Harvesters drink an average of 6 liters of water during the shift. Harvesters reported heat-related symptoms (≥1/week) during the harvest significantly more than non-harvesters from the same company (p≤0.05): headache, tachycardia, pain while urinating, muscle twitches, muscle cramps in arms or legs, fever, dizziness, and swelling of hands or feet.
Discussion
There is an undeniable risk of heat stress for sugarcane harvesters in the northern part of Costa Rica that should be immediately addressed to prevent undesired health and productivity effects. This risk is likely common to other similar jobs and populations. Climate change is expected to lead to temperatures increases as well as more heat waves; these expected changes emphasize the need to address this issue at an employer, sector and country level.