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International journal of environmental research and public health2013; 10(12); 6500-6516; doi: 10.3390/ijerph10126500

Occupational injuries on thoroughbred horse farms: a description of Latino and non-Latino workers’ experiences.

Abstract: Animal production is a dangerous industry and increasingly reliant on a Latino workforce. Within animal production, little is known about the risks or the occupational hazards of working on farms involved in various aspects of thoroughbred horse breeding. Extant research suggests that horse workers are at risk of musculoskeletal and respiratory symptoms, kicks, and other injuries. However, limited known research has examined the experiences of the industry's workers, including immigrant workers, despite their prominence and increased vulnerability. Using data collected from thoroughbred farm representatives via a phone-administered survey, a 2-hour face-to-face semi-structured interview, and farm injury logs, this article identifies and describes types of injuries experienced by workers (N = 284) and their surrounding circumstances. Results indicate that general injuries and musculoskeletal strains, sprains, and tears account for a majority of injuries among workers on thoroughbred farms. Upper limbs and extremities are most frequently injured, while direct contact with the horse accounted for over half of all injuries. No differences in the diagnoses or distribution of injury were found by ethnicity; however, Latinos were more often struck by or trampled by a horse while non-Latinos were more often injured by an insect or plant. Implications and opportunities for future research are discussed.
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Publication Date: 2013-11-29 PubMed ID: 24351785PubMed Central: PMC3881127DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10126500Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • U.S. Gov't
  • P.H.S.

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates the occupational risks and hazards experienced by workers, specifically Latino and non-Latino, on thoroughbred horse farms. The findings indicate that such work often result in general injuries and musculoskeletal issues, with the upper limbs being most frequently injured, generally due to direct contact with the horse.

Study Approach

  • The researchers used a variety of data collection methods to gather information on a comprehensive range of injuries experienced by workers on thoroughbred horse farms. These methods included a phone-administered survey, a face-to-face semi-structured interview, and reviewing farm injury logs.
  • The study included a significant number of workers (N=284), allowing it to offer detailed insights into the various types of injuries these workers encounter and the circumstances surrounding them.

Key Findings

  • General injuries, musculoskeletal strains, sprains, and tears were found to be the most common types of injuries among workers on thoroughbred horse farms.
  • The upper limbs and extremities were the body parts most frequently injured, typically as a result of direct contact with the horse.
  • Despite no detectable differences in the diagnoses or distribution of injury between Latino and non-Latino workers, the causes of injuries did vary. Latino workers were more often injured by being struck or trampled by a horse, whereas non-Latino workers were more often injured by insects or plants.

Implications and Opportunities

  • The research provides valuable insight into the occupational hazards faced by workers on thoroughbred horse farms, an area previously underexplored. This can inform safety measures and health programmes aimed at reducing injuries in this industry.
  • The differing injury causes between Latino and non-Latino workers suggest that cultural or experiential differences may inform different injury risks. This finding could lead to considerations of targeted training or interventions for different worker groups.
  • The research may also stimulate further study into other aspects of health and safety among immigrant workers in the animal production industry, given their increasing prominence and vulnerability in this industry.

Cite This Article

APA
Swanberg JE, Clouser JM, Westneat SC, Marsh MW, Reed DB. (2013). Occupational injuries on thoroughbred horse farms: a description of Latino and non-Latino workers’ experiences. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 10(12), 6500-6516. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10126500

Publication

International journal of environmental research and public health
ISSN: 1660-4601
NlmUniqueID: 101238455
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 12
Pages: 6500-6516

Researcher Affiliations

Swanberg, Jennifer E
  • School of Social Work, University of Maryland, 525 West Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. jswanberg@ssw.umaryland.edu.
Clouser, Jessica M
    Westneat, Susan C
      Marsh, Mary W
        Reed, Deborah B

          MeSH Terms

          • Adult
          • Animal Husbandry
          • Animals
          • Emigrants and Immigrants
          • Female
          • Hispanic or Latino
          • Horses
          • Humans
          • Incidence
          • Male
          • Occupational Injuries / epidemiology
          • Occupational Injuries / ethnology
          • Prevalence
          • Risk Factors
          • United States / epidemiology

          Grant Funding

          • U54 OH007547 / NIOSH CDC HHS
          • 5U54OH007547-12 / NIOSH CDC HHS

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          Citations

          This article has been cited 8 times.
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