Agricultural Safety Training: California Style

ABSTRACT

In response to 1990 regulations in California, agricultural industry leaders formed a coalition with academic institutions and farm organizations to ensure they were compliant with new standards for worker safety in agricultural work settings. Out of this coalition emerged a not-for-profit organization, AgSafe. This was followed by a formal training program, the California Agricultural Safety Certificate Program. Now with more than 10 years' experience, this program has evolved into a highly successful initiative that garners industry support throughout the state. Courses can be taken at one annual event or at intervals, including regionalized offerings. The AgSafe program and other training workshops have helped agricultural producers/employers more rapidly and effectively adopt best management practices in an increasingly more complicated regulatory environment. In the process it has enhanced a culture of safety and introduced valuable strategies that increase productivity while improving safety and health outcomes for workers. To date, nearly 550 individuals have secured certificates of completion that reflect at least 15 hours of formal coursework. English- and Spanish-language training is offered in a manner that is responsive to the learning styles of a multicultural workforce. California's approach for safety training of agricultural workers can serve as a model for enhancing respect and cooperation among employers, workers, and safety professionals.

Barbara C. Lee is Director, National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield, Wisconsin, and Administrative Director, Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America.

Amy Wolfe is Executive Director, AgSafe, Modesto, California.

James M. Meyers recently retired from a position as a Cooperative Extension Specialist, University of California, Berkeley, as well as University of California, Davis. He maintains involvement in regional agricultural issues.

KEYWORDS:

• Agricultural workers
• program development
• safety
• training

Notes

Barbara C. Lee is Director, National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield, Wisconsin, and Administrative Director, Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America.

Amy Wolfe is Executive Director, AgSafe, Modesto, California.

James M. Meyers recently retired from a position as a Cooperative Extension Specialist, University of California, Berkeley, as well as University of California, Davis. He maintains involvement in regional agricultural issues.