Archive Nut, Prune and Olive Programs

The most common and costly agricultural injuries are back injuries. Many back injuries are related to lifting and carrying heavy loads. Awkward postures and slips and falls are also common causes of back injuries.

The stress of workplace conflicts can put farmworkers at a greater risk for on-the-job injuries. Frustration and anger can distract workers from their focus on the task at hand and on completing that task safely and properly.

Many farm jobs require repetitive motion doing the same task over and over again. Though sometimes unavoidable, this type of work can cause serious, chronic injuries. Everyone knows of someone who developed a bad back after years of field work.

Chugging fluids to quench an intense thirst is like pouring water on a wilted plant. The feeling of thirst is a late signal that the body needs water, so relying on your thirst to tell you when to drink is not a good idea.

An injury at work has an impact on the whole family. Being cautious and aware of hazards when you do your job will keep you healthy and employed. Falls are the third most common cause of all injuries and the cause of the most serious injuries for orchard workers.

Even though heat-related illnesses are more common in the summer, they can happen in any conditions, indoors or outside. Most of the heat that causes heat illnesses comes from within the body. During both rest and activity, the human body tries to maintain an internal temperature of 98.6 degrees.

California law now requires employers to take specific measures that help their outdoor workers avoid getting heat-related illnesses. This regulation adds to all employers' obligation to provide safe and healthful workplaces both indoors and out.

Eating right makes you a better worker. Consuming fast-food hamburgers and french fries, pan dulce, and flour tortillas filled with beans fried in lard can make you less productive at work.

Children like eating familiar foods, so it can be hard for them to try something new. Giving children the chance to become familiar with new foods rather than being forced to eat them will make it easier for parents to provide a healthful, varied diet to their children.

Throughout childhood, children grow steadily and develop new skills. Each child's growth and development happens at a different rate, but all children have growth spurts and periods of slow growth.