Lived experiences of heat stress among migrant agricultural workers in Spain: a qualitative study

Agricultural workers face high heat stress risk due to environmental and working conditions. Migrant agricultural workers (MAW) are especially vulnerable due to additional structural factors including irregular migratory status and high economic needs. Our study explores the lived experiences of occupational heat stress among MAW and its impact on health. An interpretive, qualitative design was employed. Through purposive sampling we selected MAW in Almeria, Lleida, and Huelva for semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Thirty interviews were conducted with six female and 24 male MAW, predominantly from sub-Saharan and North-Africa. The findings were organized into five overarching themes: Working under the sun: exposure and embodiment; The dilemma of heat: work or wellbeing; Employer´s efforts to protect workers: a regime of discretion; Protecting oneself from the heat: navigating limited agency; and non-work-related factors: compounding vulnerabilities. Participants described discomfort and heat-related illness symptoms. Protective strategies included drinking water, wearing appropriate clothing, and taking breaks, but pressure from supervisors to maintain a fast work pace and limit breaks often compromised these protective efforts. Employer discretion largely determined access to heat-protective measures. Participants also reported limited ability to cool down after work due to high indoor temperatures in substandard housing. Occupational heat risk for MAW extends beyond environmental factors and is amplified by socioeconomic inequities. Implementation of more specific and enforceable heat-protection measures and improved enforcement mechanisms, alongside mandated improvements to working and living conditions, are needed to reduce heat-related health risks.