News

Research Highlight: Occupational Risk Factors for Valley Fever in California’s Farmworkers

Agricultural work has previously been identified as an occupational risk factor for Valley fever, but little research has been conducted to identify specific high-risk tasks or crops.

Research

Cloth Masks and COVID-19: What Do They Do and Why Should We Wear Them?

While surgical masks and respirators are being reserved for medical workers, cloth face coverings or homemade masks are recommended for everyone else. But what do they actually do and why should we wear them?

Hazard Controls for COVID-19

Whether you are a farmer, FLC, or farm supervisor, just as you would consider the potential for safety hazards when introducing new equipment or processes into your operation, you should utilize a similar approach now with COVID-19.

California Night Work Regulation Approved

In 2013, a lighting standard was proposed to improve field lighting and worker visibility for California agricultural field operations taking place between sunset and sunrise. After 6 years of stakeholder meetings and fiscal reviews, the Office of Administrative Law has approved the regulation, which will go into effect on July 1, 2020.

CDC Provides Recommendations for Preventing and Controlling COVID-19 in Agricultural Settings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has introduced interim guidance for agricultural workers and employers to facilitate preparation, prevention, and management measures to help reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in agricultural settings.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Time of COVID-19

In response to PPE shortages due to the COVID-19 crisis, the CDC, NIOSH Agricultural Centers, and state agencies have developed guidance to assist employers and workers in conserving existing supplies and identifying alternate protection when necessary.

Disinfection and Sanitation for COVID-19 at the Worksite

The CDC recommends that farm owners and operators develop sanitation protocols and procedures for daily cleaning and sanitation of worksites, including shared spaces, tools, equipment, and vehicles used by farmworkers, following CDC guidance on cleaning methods. 

What to Do If an Employee Has COVID-19

To protect the health of your workers and reduce the risk of infection at your worksite, it is important to talk to your employees and keep an eye on them in case they start to show symptoms at work.

Screening Workers to Prevent COVID-19 in the Workplace

Screening workers before they enter the worksite is a strategy that could help you to identify individuals who may be infected and reduce the spread among workers.

COVID-19 Farmworker Survey Collaboration

The California Institute for Rural Studies (CIRS) is leading a broad coalition of researchers and farmworker advocates to collect data on how COVID-19 is affecting farmworkers.

Underlying Causes of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

When employers look at an individual incident more closely, it becomes clear that multiple factors contribute to accidents in the workplace.

Extreme Weather Events: Perspectives & Safety Impacts in Agriculture

Over the past decade, California has become more prone to weather extremes, including increased frequency and severity of heat waves, droughts, and wildfires.

How have these weather extremes affected the work, health, and safety of agricultural employers and farmworkers? How are they preparing for the future?

Investigation of Accidents, Injuries, and Illnesses

Preventing injuries, illnesses, and harmful exposure before they occur is an important goal in the workplace. However, when accidents or “near misses” do occur, they provide a good opportunity to identify health and safety problems and target prevention efforts. 

A Look Back at 2019

WCAHS looks back at Research and Outreach activities for 2019.

Hazard Assessment/Inspection

When creating an Injury and Illness Prevention Program or IIPP, there must be a system in place for all worksites that periodically assesses the work environment for health and safety hazards that can cause injuries and illnesses.