WCAHS manages numerous programs to improve the health and safety of the agricultural community in the west. These programs are implemented through the generous support of various funders, as detailed below.
Advancing the Development of Agricultural workers’ Proficiency with new Technologies (ADAPT)
Agriculture in California needs a climate-ready workforce that is trained in emerging agricultural technology. The ADAPT program is developing trainings for farmworkers to gain the specialized skills needed for agricultural technologies such as autonomous tractors, collaborative robots and agrivoltaics. This program is funded through the Farmworker Advancement Program from the California Employment Development Department.
COVID-19 Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP)
WCAHS collaborates with other UC centers to implement CWOP, which aims to improve workplace health, safety, and working conditions for California workers by expanding awareness and outreach on labor laws and resources related to COVID-19, especially vaccinations. The WCAHS program partners directly with organizations in the Imperial, San Diego, and Central Coast regions. CWOP is supported by the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Frontline Supervisor Training Program
Frontline supervisors are responsible for overseeing the daily performance of workers including ensuring that workers are healthy and safe; however, there are limited training opportunities available for this group. WCAHS is therefore offering a training to support frontline supervisors with taking a leadership role in health and safety in the workplace. Funding for the Frontline Supervisor Training was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Marketing Service. Learn more about the training here.
Statewide Agriculture and Farmworker Education (SAFE) Program
SAFE is an ongoing program that conducts COVID-19 outreach and training with community and industry partners. The goals of SAFE are to expand and strengthen COVID-19 knowledge, increase prevention behaviors, and build capacity among community-based organizations, farmer training organizations, and agricultural employers to promote workplace safety. SAFE is currently being supported through the California Department of Industrial Relations as part of CWOP.
Worker Occupational Health and Safety Training and Education Program (WOSHTEP)
WOSHTEP is an initiative aimed at reducing occupational injuries and illnesses in California workplaces. WCAHS conducts trainings for workers in high hazard industries, small businesses, and worker leaders. This training program is supported and administered by the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation in the Department of Industrial Relations. WCAHS conducts WOSH Specialist trainings, Injury and Illness Prevention Program trainings, and other trainings as part of WOSHTEP.