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BACKGROUND: In August, 2013, two unconscious employees (one sitting on a running gas-powered forklift), a family member and two bystanders were exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) at a produce-packaging warehouse. The forklift operator died, the second employee required hyperbaric treatment, and the other cases were found to have elevated blood concentrations of CO. CO is a poisonous, nonirritating, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels that can cause adverse health effects. Exposure to CO can cause a myriad of non-specific symptoms, and exposure to high CO concentrations can cause permanent neurologic and cognitive symptoms, loss of consciousness and death. CO exposures are preventable, yet some employers in North Carolina do not take adequate steps to prevent exposures and harmful releases to their employees. The North Carolina Division of Public Health (NCDPH) has designed and disseminated materials for employers and employees to recognize potential sources for CO releases in an agricultural workplace setting.
METHODS: NCDPH collaborated with the NC Agromedicine Institute to design three types of educational and outreach materials targeting agricultural workers in the state: 1) three factsheets in English and Spanish; 2) one audio public service announcement (PSA), in English and Spanish; and 3) one video PSA in English. Materials were also showcased to state partners for input, which included the US Department of Labor; and four NC state agencies, including Departments of Labor, Agriculture, Public Safety, and Commerce.
RESULTS: Materials were disseminated to five in-season farmer/grower commodity associations that produced the same crops as the facility where the incident occurred, which included the NC Tomato, Commercial Blackberry and Raspberry, Blueberry, Apple, and Strawberry Growers Associations. Materials were also given to the county extension center where the incident occurred. English and Spanish audio PSAs were disseminated to the Southern Farm Network Radio Station, and one Spanish radio station, respectively. The video PSA was posted on YouTube. All materials are currently available on the NCDPH website. A survey was also distributed to the growers’ associations and the county extension center to evaluate usage and effectiveness of materials.
CONCLUSIONS: CO exposures continue to be a persistent problem in NC workplaces. Survey results will be used to target the educational needs of grower associations and employers. NCDPH will also utilize National Toxic Substance Incidents Program data to determine industry sectors in the state most affected by CO releases, and design additional educational and outreach materials for dissemination to corresponding employers.