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A supervisor trains agricultural workers in the field

Effective Farm Labor Supervisors: An Investment in Success

by Lupe Sandoval, co-founder, California Farm Labor Contractor Association (CFLCA)
October 20, 2021

Farm labor supervisors play a critical role in managing and directing the workforce. The combination of individual leadership qualities with ongoing support from employers can help to ensure the success of the company and its employees.

Screen capture of Fire And Smoke Map from AirNow.gov

New Fire and Smoke Map Is a Valuable Resource for Employers of Outdoor Workers

September 22, 2021

The Fire and Smoke Map is a valuable resource for employers of outdoor workers throughout the West because it provides more localized readings, an important feature for rural areas.

Close up of a farmworkers hands holding a knife while harvesting bok choy

Near Misses: Will They Predict or Prevent the Next Bad Accident?

by Lupe Sandoval, co-founder, California Farm Labor Contractor Association (CFLCA)
July 29, 2021

Underlying the high number of workplace injuries are many near-miss incidents. The more often these incidents happen without preventative corrective actions, the more likely a serious accident will occur.

Farmworkers stand in line to get a drink of water from a cooler

Top 3 Ways to Stay Hydrated on a Hot Day

by Chelsea Eastman Langer, PhD, MPH
June 29, 2021

Your body needs a certain amount of water for your organs to work properly. If you don’t replace the water that you are releasing as sweat, your body will not function well.

A supervisor trains farmworkers in the field

Trainings Help Employers Adapt to Changing COVID-19 Prevention Regulations

June 18, 2021

COVID-19 safety continues to be a priority in workplaces throughout California as more people receive their vaccines. Still, employers and supervisors have many questions about best practices and state regulations as they design their COVID-19 prevention plans. AgSafe and the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety are hosting free trainings that can help.

A woman receives a COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic

California Helps Farmers Bring COVID-19 Vaccines to the Field

June 08, 2021

It’s now faster and easier for farmers to help their workers get vaccinated, thanks to a new partnership program sponsored by the California Department of Public Health.

Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP): Requirements and Exceptions for Employers With Less Than 10 Employees

by Leslie Olivares
May 25, 2021

Although every California workplace needs to have an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), there are a few differences on how employers with less than 10 employees can comply with this regulation.

Acclimatization: Getting Used to Working in the Heat

by Chelsea Eastman Langer, PhD, MPH
May 11, 2021

Heat-related illness poses a serious health risk to farmworkers, especially as their work season overlaps with hot summer temperatures. Workers are at higher risk of heat-related illness if they are not acclimated (or used to) the heat.

A medical provider prepares to test a woman for COVID-19 with a swab

California expands access to COVID-19 testing to help communities open safely

May 06, 2021

To make COVID-19 testing easier, employers, schools and community groups can team up with the California Department of Public Health Valencia Branch Laboratory, a new lab designed to increase the state’s testing capacity and reduce turnaround time with little or no cost to local groups.

Man receiving COVID-19 vaccine in his upper arm

2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

May 04, 2021

Effective March 29, 2021, employers with 26 or more employees are required to provide up to 80 hours of COVID-19 related sick leave from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.

UC Davis Launches $3 Million Project to Improve Farmworker COVID Safety

January 27, 2021

Funded by a $3 million contract with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the project provides workers, growers, farm labor contractors, community groups and others the training and safety information they need to reduce farmworkers’ risk of contracting COVID-19.

Farmworkers wearing cloth face coverings

Cover Your Face and Keep Your Space: COVID-19 Safety Reminders for the Holiday Season

December 15, 2020

Spanish

As the weather cools and the holidays approach, we look forward to celebrating the season with family and friends. This year, with COVID-19 cases on the rise, we need to take a few extra steps at work and at home in order to share the love without spreading the virus.

A Look Back at 2020

by Kara Schilli
December 14, 2020

A look back at Center research, outreach, and training activities during the year 2020.

Tractor tills the soil and kicks up dust

Research Highlight

December 14, 2020

Research

The Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety offers annual funding opportunities for outreach and education activities and short-term research to support projects related to agricultural health and safety in Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada.

Research Highlight

November 19, 2020

Research

The research team from the Parikh Environmental Soil Chemistry Lab at UC Davis examined chemicals in the ash and soil from different orchards following the Thomas Fire to assess the health risks to farmworkers working in areas affected by wildfires.

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