Labor

Workplace injuries in agriculture reduced by wearable tech

The injury rate for agricultural workers is more than 40% higher than employees in other industries, which is why Western Growers Insurance Services designed the Connected Worker Program to help prevent injuries before they occur.... more »

Production of five popular vegetables relies on foreign labor

In 2019, tomatoes for the fresh market, harvested by hand, were valued at $705 million, while sweet corn production, typically harvested by hand or machine, was valued at $652 million, and sweet potatoes, for which... more »

Michigan sees uptick in farm worker coronavirus cases, report says

Coronavirus outbreaks among migrant workers are contributing to an uptick in cases in Michigan, which experts blame on short growing seasons, crowded housing, tenuous income and mistrust of government. According to Bridge Magazine, in the... more »

Ontario acts to stop COVID-19 outbreaks in Windsor-Essex

In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and local public health officials, the Ontario government is implementing a three-point plan to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 on farms and throughout the... more »

Addressing COVID-19 on farms subject of New York webinar

As New York "reopens" business during the COVID-19 crisis, business owners are evaluating what actions they need to take to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers, and to help public officials contain the spread... more »

California shares employer checklist for COVID-19 outbreak action

The California Department of Food and Agriculture shared this memo from State Public Health officer Dr. Sonia Y. Angell: This checklist is intended for use by employers experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 in their workplace. Employers... more »

Pesticide safety training rules during COVID-19 released by EPA

Agricultural workers and pesticide handlers directly support the nation’s agricultural production and food supply and EPA is committed to ensuring they are protected from workplace hazards. EPA has released guidance regarding the annual pesticide safety... more »

Georgia vegetable growers should prepare now for harvesting

As we approach the harvest season for watermelon, bell pepper, tomato, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumber, sweet corn and other crops, Georgia vegetable growers can move ahead and prepare seasonal workers to mitigate the spread of... more »