Bridging Safety Language Disparities In Orchards: A Pesticide Label Mobile App

Objectives The goal of this project was to determine if a mobile application displaying pesticide label information in Spanish and English was a viable approach to addressing safety and health disparities for orchard workers. This study assessed pesticide label use patterns in orchards; application user experience; and the potential of modern information systems to deliver bilingual content. Methods Pesticide handlers and orchard managers were asked to use a mobile application prototype for a period of one month in 2016. A convenience sample of ten participants completed a 36-question interview to share their experiences. The research team summarized interview responses with summary statistics and grouped content analysis. Results Mean participant (n=10) age was 49. Eight were Latinx and spoke Spanish as their primary language. Six used the app frequently (15 times), one used it sometimes (6 - 10 times), and three used it rarely or occasionally (1 - 5 times). All participants viewed sections about product information and personal protective equipment. Most viewed information related to emergency and first aid, hazards, and storage and disposal. Overall user experience was positive, with an emphasis on the importance of access to label information in Spanish. Conclusion The overwhelming majority of the Pacific Northwest agricultural workforce is Spanish-speaking, despite critical pesticide safety information being provided on lengthy product label documents in technical English. This project demonstrated that the mobile application seems to be a viable approach to reducing language disparities and improving Latinx orchard worker safety.