A cross-sectional legal epidemiology study of associations between state-level labor laws (LLEI) and workplace sanitation and training indicators among Hispanic US crop workers using the National Agricultural Workers Survey (NAWS)

Erica Chavez Santos; India Ornelas; Heather Hill; June T Spector; John C Flunker; Barbara Baquero

doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000003614

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A cross-sectional legal epidemiology study of associations between state-level labor laws (LLEI) and workplace sanitation and training indicators among Hispanic US crop workers using the National Agricultural Workers Survey (NAWS)

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A cross-sectional legal epidemiology study of associations between state-level labor laws (LLEI) and workplace sanitation and training indicators among Hispanic US crop workers using the National Agricultural Workers Survey (NAWS)

Erica Chavez Santos, India Ornelas, Heather Hill, June T Spector, John C Flunker and Barbara Baquero

Journal of occupational and environmental medicine, Vol.68(4), pp.e288-e294

04/2026

DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003614

PMID: 41264377

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Abstract

Agricultural workers are at disproportionate risk of work-related injuries and illnesses. We examined how labor laws are associated with agricultural workers' work environments. We conducted a cross-sectional study of Hispanic/Latine participants in the National Agricultural Worker Survey to assess the association between a Labor Law Equity Index (LLEI), which summarizes agricultural worker inclusion or exclusion in workers' compensation, minimum wage, and overtime pay laws across US states, and workplace conditions. Higher LLEI scores were associated with an increased odds of employer provision of water (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.05-1.33, toilet (aOR = 1.50, 95% CI:1.34-1.67), handwashing station (aOR = 1.40, 95% CI:1.26-1.56), and pesticide training (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI:1.10-1.29). Our results highlight policy-related opportunities to improve workplace water access, sanitation, and training implementation to better support agricultural worker health.

occupational health and safety

Labor laws

agricultural worker health

Details

Title: Subtitle: A cross-sectional legal epidemiology study of associations between state-level labor laws (LLEI) and workplace sanitation and training indicators among Hispanic US crop workers using the National Agricultural Workers Survey (NAWS)
Creators: Erica Chavez Santos
India Ornelas - University of Wisconsin Health
Heather Hill - University of Washington
June T Spector
John C Flunker - University of Iowa
Barbara Baquero - University of Wisconsin Health
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine, Vol.68(4), pp.e288-e294
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003614
PMID: 41264377
NLM abbreviation: J Occup Environ Med
ISSN: 1536-5948
eISSN: 1536-5948
Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS; PHILADELPHIA
Grant note: University of WashingtonSafety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention, Work Equity Research Center, Washington State Department of Labor IndustriesNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under Federal Training Grant: T42OH008433
Funding Sources: This work was supported by the University of Washington Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies and the Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention, Work Equity Research Center, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under Federal Training Grant T42OH008433. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH or Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 11/14/2025
Date published: 04/2026
Academic Unit: Occupational and Environmental Health; Epidemiology
Record Identifier: 9985033872002771

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