| Western Center for Agricultural Health
and Safety University of California, Davis What role does education have in improving the health of farm workers? Don Villarejo, California Institute for Rural Studies, Davis, CA Several recent research reports suggest that worker education may be substantially less effective than is generally believed. Recent findings concerning substantial non-compliance with the Worker Protection Standard in California raise important questions about the extent of required workplace education. Focus group findings from Santa Clara County hired farm workers suggest that while some farm employers provide high levels of safety training, there is widespread acceptance of workplace risk among laborers, and that fear of possible dismissal discourages reporting of non-compliance. Findings from the California Agricultural Worker Health Survey (CAWHS) include a determination that an estimated two-thirds of workplace injuries among hired farm workers occurred in circumstances in which no job safety training had been provided. Anecdotal evidence, gathered during the CAWHS, provides a rich body of experience concerning how education can lead to substantial improvements in worker health. It is suggested that the literature of ‘informal adult education’ may provide important guidance in developing effective worker education programs. Several model programs are described. UC Davis Health System is pleased to provide this information for general reference purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice. You are urged to consult with your health care provider for diagnosis of and treatment for any health-related condition. The information provided herein may not and should not be used for diagnosis and treatment. Reproduction of material on this web site is hereby granted solely for personal use. No other use of this material is authorized without prior written approval of UC Regents. |