- Author: Ben Faber
This content was developed by the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety at UC Davis. For more information and to access their wildfire training materials, visit their wildfire training page: https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/wildfires
How do wildfires affect the health and safety of people in agriculture?
Farmers and farmworkers are at a greater risk for exposure to wildfire smoke, ash, and chemical residue due to their work outdoors and long shifts, both during an active fire as well as during cleanup and recovery. Due to the nature of agricultural work, it is difficult for farmers and farmworkers to stop working due to wildfires. Lost workdays and the potential destruction of crops can have an economic effect on both farmers and workers.
Regardless of their proximity to wildfires, agricultural workers can struggle with stress and other mental health issues related to the effects of wildfires. Income, access to healthcare, and immigration concerns increase the vulnerability of the farmworker population.
When a wildfire occurs, what protections and information are employers required to provide to employees?
The newly adopted regulation §5141.1 “Protection from Wildfire Smoke,” which went into effect on July 29, 2019, uses the local air quality index (AQI) for PM2.5 to determine when worker protections are needed.
If employers reasonably anticipate that employees may be exposed to wildfire smoke, they must:
What is included in the wildfire smoke safety training and resources provided by WCAHS?
WCAHS provides safety resources on wildfire smoke for both employers and employees. An employer checklist outlining the above action items is available in English and Spanish. For training purposes, a double-sided poster and accompanying discussion guide are available in English and Spanish and are useful tools for tailgate trainings and safety reminders in the workplace.
WCAHS is developing an in-person training for agricultural employers and employees that provides a more comprehensive and in-depth review of the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure, worker protection procedures, and more.
Find out more about the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety and the Training Program Schedule: https://aghealth.ucdavis.edu/wildfires
/h2>/h2>/h2>/span>- Author: Ben Faber
Pesticide Safety Instructor TrainingWorkshops
Update your knowledge of changing regulations!
Registration:
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/IPMPROJECT/workshops.html
This course meets the requirements established by the revised Worker Protection Standard, which is mandated by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. This workshop, presented by the UC Integrated Pest Management Program, AgSafe and support from WCAHS, will qualify participants who successfully complete the program to train fieldworkers and pesticide handlers under these revised regulations. Topics will cover pesticide exposure, signs and symptoms of illness, emergency medical care, proper use of personal protective equipment, safe handling and transportation of pesticides, and laws and regulations regarding labels and safety data sheets.
Who Should Attend?
Ag supervisors • Growers • Farm Labor Contractors • Safety Managers • Safety Trainers
Cost
$50 per person. Payment is by credit card only.
Continental breakfast, lunch and materials provided. Includes a certificate of completion.
No refunds will be given.
Space is limited, register early!
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/IPMPROJECT/workshops.html
Dates
Classes will be from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Check-in begins at 7:45am.
January 29
Modesto
English
February 20
Vista
English
February 15
Modesto
Spanish
February 20
Vista
Spanish
February 12
Santa Paula
English
April 16
Fresno
English
February 13
Santa Paula
Spanish
April 18
Fresno
Spanish
Continuing Education hours will be available through California Department of Pesticide Regulations (DPR).
Seguridad de Pesticidas Talleres de Formación de Instructores
Actualicé su conocimiento sobre los cambios regulatorios!
Este curso cumple con los requisitos revisados por la Norma de Protección del Trabajador, que es un mandato de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos y el Departamento de Regulación de Pesticidas de California. Este taller, presentado por el Programa de Manejo Integrado de Plagas de la Universidad de California y AgSafe, con apoyo de WCAHS, calificará a los participantes que completen el programa con la capacidad de entrenar a trabajadores de campo y manejadores de pesticidas bajo estas regulaciones revisadas. Los temas cubren la exposición a plaguicidas, síntomas de la enfermedad, la atención médica de emergencia, el uso adecuado del equipo de protección personal, manipulación y transporte seguro de los plaguicidas y las leyes y reglamentos relativos a las etiquetas y fichas de datos de seguridad.
¿Quién debeasistir?
Supervisores agrícolas • Productores • Contratistas de trabajadores agrícolas Supervisores de seguridad • Entrenadores de seguridad
Costo
$50 por persona. El pago es solamente con tarjeta de crédito.
Desayuno, almuerzo y los materiales serán proporcionados. Incluye un certificado de finalización. No se darán reembolsos.
¡El espacio es limitado, regístrese temprano!
Fechas
Clases empiezan a las 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registración empieza a las 7:45am.
29 de enero
Modesto
Inglés
20 de febrero
Vista
Inglés
15 de febrero
Modesto
Español
21 de febrero
Vista
Español
12 de febrero
Santa Paula
Inglés
16 de abril
Fresno
Inglés
13 de febrero
Santa Paula
Español
18 de abril
Fresno
Español
- Author: Ben Faber
7th VENTURA COUNTY SPRAY SAFE EVENT
MARCH 20, 2018
VENTURA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
I. Registration (7:30–8:30 a.m.)
II. Opening Session (8:30–8:55 a.m.)
1. Welcoming Remarks and Introductions — Brian Benchwick, Chairman, Ventura County Spray Safe Planning Committee
2. Ventura County Spray Safe Overview — John Krist, Chief Executive Officer, Farm Bureau of Ventura County
3. The Importance and Value of Compliance — Eric Lauritzen, Policy Advisor, California Department of Pesticide Regulation
III. Morning Speakers (8:55–10:10 a.m.)
- How Water Quality Regulations Address Pesticide Use and Safety— Jenny Newman, TMDL Unit Chief, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board
- Understanding the Pesticide Registration Process — Debbie Stubbs, Regulatory Product Manager, Syngenta Crop Protection
- Protecting Schools Near Farms — Colleen Robertson, Principal, Somis School
IV. Station Training Sessions(10:15 – 11:50 a.m.) Attendees will be divided into four groups, which will rotate through the stations, with 20 minutes per station and 5 minutes of move time per rotation.
1. Improving Water Quality Through Pesticide BMPs — Nancy Broschart, Farm Bureau
2. Drift Avoidance and Safety — Kevin Miskel, Aspen Helicopters; Danny Pereira, Rio Farms
3. Spray Rig Calibration — Marianna Castiaux, California Strawberry Commission
4. Field Inspection and Worker Safety Compliance — County Agricultural Commissioner
V. Buffet Lunch (11:50 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.) — Marshall's Bodacious BBQ
VI. Closing Session (12:45 – 1:30 p.m.)
1. Speaker Introductions — Brian Benchwick
2. Statewide Regulatory Perspectives and Issues — Brian Leahy, Director, California Department of Pesticide Regulation
3. Closing Remarks — William Terry, Vegetable Grower, Terry Farms
Attendance is free, but advance registration is
required. Fax (805) 987-3874 or email
spraysafe@farmbureauvc.com
/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h1>/h2>/h2>/h2>/h1>/h1>
- Author: Ben Faber
Spray Safe registration opens
Registration is now open for the sixth Ventura County Spray Safe event. This year's keynote speaker will be Brian Leahy, director of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
The event will be on Tuesday, March 20, in the Agriculture Building (Santa Cruz Hall) at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura.
Program
7:30-8:30 a.m.: Registration
8:30-11:50 a.m.: Presentations
11:50 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Lunch (provided)
12:45-1:30 p.m.: Speakers
Spray Safe is intended to prevent pesticide-exposure incidents and improve communication among growers, agricultural chemical applicators and farm employees. Originally developed by a coalition of farmers, pest control advisers, applicators and labor contractors concerned about drift incidents in Kern County, the program is being embraced by growers throughout California as a way of better protecting the health and safety of farmers, field crews and neighboring residents.
Since our inaugural Ventura County event in 2009, the program has grown steadily in popularity, more than 500 people attending each of the subsequent sessions. Attendees learn about pesticide safety, application technology, regulatory issues and other topics during a half-day program of guest speakers, demonstrations and breakout sessions. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided.
The event is free, but advance registration is required. To register, you must download the form here, fill it out, and fax it to (805) 987-3874, or email it to spraysafe@farmbureauvc.com. The deadline is Tuesday, March 6.
The Spray Safe planning committee could not make this event happen without the financial support of Ventura County's agricultural community. To offset the approximately $20,000 it costs to conduct each event, we rely on the generosity of farm owners, pesticide applicators and advisors, supplier representatives, and anyone concerned about the industry's future.
- Author: Lisa Blecker
(Español abajo)
Registration is now open for Spring 2018 Pesticide Safety Instructor Training workshops
UC IPM is partnering with AgSafe to offer up-to-date instructor training programs that are approved and partly funded by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). Updates to the Federal Worker Protection Standard (WPS) that will have the most impact on California pesticide users include:
- Annual pesticide safety training for all fieldworkers
- Instructors in agriculture must attend an updated and approved Train-the-Trainer course, and
- Expanded training content for fieldworkers and pesticide handlers
Upcoming southern California training dates and locations:
Ventura
February 21, 2018
This class will be conducted in ENGLISH
Santa Paula
February 23, 2018
This class will be conducted in SPANISH
San Diego
March 20, 2018
This class will be conducted in SPANISH
Participants who complete this training will become qualified to provide pesticide safety training to fieldworkers and pesticide handlers, as required by California state regulations and the revised Federal Worker Protection Standard (WPS). Visit the workshop website for specific date/location information and to register. Spring 2018 Pesticide Safety Instructor Workshops
(English above)
Se Abrió la Registración para 2018 Capacitaciones de Instructores de Seguridad de Pesticidas
UC IPM en conjunto con AgSafe ofrece un programa actualizado de capacitación para instructores que es aprobado y co-patrocinado por el Departamento de Regulaciones de Pesticidas de California (DPR). Las actualizaciones en el Estándar de Protección del Trabajador (WPS) que tendrán más impacto sobre los que se usan pesticidas en California incluyen:
- Entrenamiento anual de seguridad de pesticidas para los trabajadores
- Instructores en agricultura deben asistir a un curso actualizado y aprobado (Entrenamiento de Entrenadores), y
- Contenido de capacitación ampliado para trabajadores de campo y manipuladores de pesticidas
Próximas fechas y localidades en el sur de California:
Ventura
21 de febrero 2018
Esta clase será en INGLÉS
Santa Paula
23 de febrero 2018
Esta clase será en ESPAÑOL
San Diego
20 de marzo 2018
Esta clase será en ESPAÑOL
Los participantes en este programa serán calificados para entrenar a los trabajadores de campo y a los manipuladores de pesticidas, como es requerido por las regulaciones del estado de California, he incluso el Estándar de Protección del Trabajador revisado por EPA.
Visite el sitio web de capacitaciones para obtener información sobre fechas/localidades y para inscribirse. 2018 Capacitaciones de Instructores de Seguridad de Pesticidas
Thank you, Gracias,
Pesticide Safety Education Program Team