Eye Safety Program for Citrus Workers

University of South Florida: Center for Community-Based Prevention Marketing

Topics:
Occupational Safety

Researchers, a local community board, and the Farmworker Association of Florida collaborated in identifying eye safety as a priority health issue among Florida citrus workers. About 500 of these workers, of whom 80 percent of whom are Hispanic and 15 percent Haitian, provided input on ways to prevent eye injuries and chemical irritation. Based on public health research and employee input, several strategies are being developed to promote eye safety among the workers. These strategies include conducting educational activities, advocating for legislative changes, promoting professional training, distributing informational materials, and promoting the use of protective eyewear. Researchers are examining the factors that support or inhibit the use of protective eyewear, while community members are pretesting safety glasses in the citrus groves and providing feedback on existing educational materials.

Read story of prevention research for this project.

 

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