Heat stress and workload associated with sugarcane cutting - an excessively strenuous occupation!

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease not associated with traditional risk factors (sometimes called Mesoamerican nephropathy) is prevalent in male agricultural labourers, particularly sugarcane cutters, in Central America and Mexico regions [1]. Strenuous work in a hot environment with dehydration is believed to be a key causal factor [1]. The aim of this study was to assess the level of heat stress and workload in sugarcane cutters.