THE SURVEILLANCE OF WORK-RELATED PESTICIDE ILLNESS - AN APPLICATION OF THE SENTINEL EVENT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR OCCUPATIONAL RISKS (SENSOR)

Objectives. In response to limitations in state-based occupational dis ease surveillance, the California Department of Health Services develo ped a model for. surveillance of acute, work-related pesticide illness . The objectives were to enhance case reporting and link case reports to preventive interventions. Methods. Elements from surveillance of co mmunicable diseases and sentinel health events Were-used to integrate a model into the preexisting system in one agricultural county. Result s. Between 1988 and 1998, 45 Fresno County healthcare providers report ed 230 suspected cases, of which 217 from 80 work sites met reporting. guidelines. Risk factors were profiled from interviews of 81 prioriti zed cask patients and 36 employers. Fifteen work sites were visited an d 117 recommendations were made of which 6% were identified in enforce ment inspections. Pest management experts consulted with growers on re ducing future pesticide use. Conclusions. Risk factors for pesticide i llness were prevalent. Agricultural inspectors did not detect, routine and serious hazards. Integrated pest management should be expanded an d linked to occupational health. Agricultural enforcement personnel sh ould be oriented and trained in occupational safety and health.