- Author: Chris M. Webb
California state regulations and the Federal Worker Protection Standard require fieldworkers and pesticide handlers to receive pesticide safety training according to specific criteria. The trainings must be given in a language that the worker understands and must be done by certified trainers.
Several opportunities exist to become certified to conduct these pesticide safety trainings, or to get a refresher if you are already a certified trainer. These trainings are approved by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR). Participants will receive an instructor’s manual.
All trainings will be conducted by Lisa Blecker, Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator at the University of California Statewide IPM Program. The program is designed for: safety managers, farm labor contractors, ag supervisors, certified trainers seeking a refresher course, and other safety trainers.
Trainings last from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Dates and locations of the trainings are:
- January 27 – Ventura (Spanish)
- January 31 – Napa (Spanish)
- February 2 – Modesto (English)
- February 7 – Ventura (Spanish)
- February 9 – Bakersfield (Spanish)
There is a $100.00 cost to attend. Materials, continental breakfast and lunch are included.
For more information call 530-752-3912 or email lblecker@ucdavis.edu. To register online, visit www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/events.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
A cooperation between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Oregon State University NPIC provides consumers the most comprehensive and reliable source of pesticide information in the United States.
Their website features much information. Topics include:
- Pesticide impacts on humans, pets, and the environment
- Safety procedures for pesticide use
- Pesticide emergencies
- Reporting injuries or problems with pesticides
- General facts sheets on a variety of common, home-use pesticide ingredients
NPIC also has a toll-free number. The line is staffed by experts Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm PST. Pesticide-related questions can be answered in 170 different languages.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Established in 1990 through an agreement with the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety strives to protect and improve the health and safety of the nation’s farmers, farmworkers, and consumers.
Current areas of research and outreach include:
- Musculoskelatal injury and ergonomics
- Neurotoxicity and pesticides
- Respiratory diseases
- Industrial hygiene and exposure assessment
- Socioeconomic impacts on health behaviors
- Environmental risk assessment
- Evaluation and biostatistics
- Costs and financial effects of adverse health outcomes
Their website has much information. At the site you can: read about current research projects; view publications; sign up for newsletters; and much more. Some of the resources are available in Spanish.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Nearly 200 grounds maintenance workers die annually in the U.S. while on the job. Approximately 25% of the deaths involve accidents with wood chippers.
The Occupational Health Branch of the California Department of Public Health has produced a video explaining wood chipper hazards, prevention recommendations and demonstrations on how to work safely around these potentially dangerous machines.
Also available are downloadable fact sheets in English and Spanish. You may also order materials by calling 510-620-5772 or email.
The Occupational Health Branch of the California Department of Public Health is dedicated to improving worker health and safety through prevention activities. For more information, or for assistance, please visit their website.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
This week is National Fire Prevention Week.
The University of California has some fantastic resources designed to reduce fire risk for individuals and communities, particularly for those living near the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). The WUI is the area where urban and suburban development meets undeveloped areas containing natural vegetation.
Many of the resources listed below were developed by UCCE Natural Resource Advisor Sabrina Drill. The majority of her publications provide direction for taking small, regular steps at reducing fire risk on your property.
Sharing these resources with neighbors may further reduce the risk of fire in your community.