FA R M L A B O R I N F O R M AT I O N B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
June 2017
Heat Safety
P
rotecting outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses is a top priority for the State of California. The state has laws in place to ensure that workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments are not placed at risk of succumbing to heat stress. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal-OSHA) is responsible for making sure employers follow California’s heat illness prevention laws. These laws, first passed in 2005, were revised in 2015 to provide additional protections. Heat illness can be deadly but it is preventable. Heat stress can bring on heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and/ or heat rashes. If you perform physical work in hot conditions, you need to use water, rest and shade to avoid overheating. Watch for symptoms of heat illness in yourself and in co-workers to avoid serious health problems. Prevention takes planning and workers need to know who to alert in case of heat illness before starting work each day. Employers and supervisors must provide training to workers to ensure they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented. The Cal-OSHA Heat Prevention Standard requires employers to provide and place water close to workers, provide
FREE shade that would shelter all workers, and in cases of high heat, provide 10-minute breaks for every two hours of work. By staying alert to the weather and making heat safety a part of the job, employers can ensure that workers feel stronger and stay healthy in the workplace. Below are some highlights of the CalOSHA Heat Prevention Standard: n Water must be “fresh, pure, suitably cool” and located as close as practicable to where employees are working. n Shade must be provided when temperatures reach 80 degrees and it must be sufficient to accommodate all employees on rest and meal breaks.
Heat Safety Tips
Drink Water Often Rest in the Shade n Report Heat Symptoms Early n Know What to Do in an Emergency n n
Employers must train workers about heat safety and provide water, rest, and shade. n
n
Employers must observe and monitor employees taking a “preventative cool down rest” for symptoms of heat illness. Employers must encourage employees to remain in the shade and may not order employees back to work until symptoms are gone. Employees with symptoms must be provided appropriate first aid or emergency response. Employers in certain industries must institute high-heat procedures if the
Volume 27, Number 6 temperature reaches or exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Such procedures must ensure effective observation and monitoring. Employers must conduct pre-shift meetings that include a review of the high-heat procedures, encourage employees to drink water, and remind employees of their right to take cool down rest periods. n Emergency response procedures must include effective communication, appropriate response to signs and symptoms of heat illness, and procedures for contacting emergency responders to help stricken workers. n Acclimatization procedures include the observation of all employees during a heat wave and close observation of new employees during their first two weeks on the job. n In addition to previously required content, training programs must include content regarding: (1) the employer’s responsibility to provide water, shade, cool-down rests, and access to first aid; (2) an employee’s right to exercise his or her rights under the standard without retaliation; (3) acclimatization; and (4) appropriate first aid and/ or emergency response. Find the complete guide to heat illness prevention at www.99Calor.org. 99Calor is Cal-OSHA’s public awareness campaign to protect California’s outdoor workers from heat illness. Continued on next page
Heat Safety Continued from page 1
Symptoms of Heat Illness In the event that the above preventative measures should fail to protect workers, it remains critical to be able to recognize the symptoms of heat illnesses and how to treat them.
Heat Stroke Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body is no longer able to maintain a healthy temperature. During a heat stroke the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, a person’s body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Symptoms of heat stroke include: n Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating n Hallucinations n Chills n Throbbing headache n High body temperature n Confusion/dizziness n Slurred speech Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke: n Call 911 and notify their supervisor. n Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area. n Cool the worker using methods such as: • Soaking their clothes with water. • Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water. • Fanning their body.
Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Workers most prone to heat exhaustion are those that are elderly, have high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: n Heavy sweating n Extreme weakness or fatigue n Dizziness, confusion n Nausea n Clammy, moist skin n Pale or flushed complexion n Muscle cramps n Slightly elevated body temperature n Fast and shallow breathing Treat a worker suffering from heat exhaustion with the following: n Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area. n Have them drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages. n Have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
Heat Cramps Heat cramps typically affect workers who sweat heavily during strenuous activity. Heavy sweating depletes essential salt and moisture from the body, causing painful muscle cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat cramps include: n Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. Treat workers with heat cramps by: n Stoping all activity, and sit in a cool place. n Drinking clear juice or a sports beverage. n Do not return to strenuous work for
2
a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. n Seek medical attention if any of the following apply: • The worker has heart problems. • The worker is on a low-sodium diet. • The cramps do not subside within one hour.
Heat Illness Prevention Recommendations for Workers
Workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, strong sunlight, and high humidity when possible. When these exposures cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to prevent heat stress: n Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton. n Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing. n Gradually build up to heavy work. n Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day. n Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity. n Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible. n Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty. Approximately 1 cup every 15-20 minutes. n Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar. n Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress. n Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.
How to Report a Problem to Cal-OSHA
If your employer does not provide water, rest, shade or training as required by LAW: You have a right to make a complaint to Cal-OSHA, the agency in charge of making sure that workplaces are safe for all workers. Cal-OSHA will investigate if you and other workers are in danger of heat illness or death and will not ask you about your immigration status. n Call the Cal-OSHA Heat Helpline: 1-877-99-CALOR or 1-877-9922567. Your call is confidential. n Call, fax a complaint and/or go in person to your local Cal-OSHA office. To find your local office: • Call 1-866-924-9757 (enter your zip code to find the closest office) • Visit www.99CALOR.org n To find a complaint form online, in Spanish, visit: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/
CompFormSpaHeat.pdf You can contact Cal-OSHA directly, or a community organization can assist you. Community organizations include unions, worker centers, churches and other local groups. If you call Cal-OSHA to make a complaint on the weekend, tell them that the problem is serious and cannot wait until Monday. Write down the name and telephone number of the person you speak with so you can call back the next day to find out what Cal-OSHA will do about your complaint. It is illegal for your employer to fire or punish you for reporting or making a complaint about heat or other unsafe working conditions. Don’t wait until it is too late. Contact Cal-OSHA IMMEDIATELY if you are in danger of heat illness. (Sources: Cal-OSHA; 99Calor.org; Centers for Disease and Control Prevention)
Voice of the Fields California Circulation: 45,000 copies
www.LaCooperativa.org Published monthly by: La Cooperativa Campesina de California 1107 9th Street, Suite 420, Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone 916.388.2220 Fax 916.388.2425 This product was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The opinions expressed in this product are exclusive of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/ or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner. Content produced by ALZA Strategies, a full-service strategy firm that offers quality media relations, crisis communications, public affairs services, and expertise into the growing Latino market.
Agricultural Jobs available to U.S. workers under H-2A contract You may apply for these jobs by phone or in person at your nearest Employment Development Department (EDD) field office CalJOBS Number
Job Title
Pay Rate
Contract Dates
Positions
City of Job
Employer’s County
America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC)
15365770
Agricultural Farmworker - Harvest, Support Labor, CalVan Driver
$12.57/Hr.
7/3/2017 to 11/5/2017
120
Santa Maria
Santa Barbara
Santa Maria AJCC (805) 348-3230
15196148
Agricultural Farmworker - Strawberry Production and Harvest
$12.57 /Hr.
3/20/2017 to 12/15/2017
109
Santa Maria
Santa Barbara
Santa Maria AJCC (805) 348-3230
15279878
Agricultural Farmworker - Strawberry, Harvest and Gen. Maint.
$12.57/Hr.
5/9/2017 to 11/30/2017
200
Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo
Santa Barbara, San LuisObispo
Santa Barbara AJCC (805) 568-1296
15329779
Agricultural Farmworker- Berry, Harvest and Packing Agricultural Farmworker -Lettuce
$12.57/hr.
6/12/2017 to 11/20/2017 4/10/2017 to 11/24/2017
136
Santa Maria, Nipomo Monterey, Santa Cruz
San LuisObispo, Santa Barbara Monterey and Santa Cruz
Santa Maria AJCC (805) 348-3230 Salinas AJCC 1-800-870-4750
15333783
Field/Shed Support Worker- Tomato, Brussel Sprouts
$12.57/hr.
6/20/2017 to 11/26/2017
104
Oceanside
San Diego
Oceanside AJCC (760) 631-6150
Various
Sheep Herder
$1,777.98/Mo
Continous
114
California and Western States
California and Western States
Call your local AJCC
15219233
$12.57/hr.
181
The H-2A temporary agricultural program allows agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers to the U.S. to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature. The H-2A employers must demonstrate that qualified U.S. workers are not available for the job and the employment of temporary foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed. Preference in hiring will be given to qualified U.S. workers before employers are allowed to bring in foreign workers under the program.
3
CalFresh
W
E ALL WANT to make sure our children are eating healthy and nutritious meals, but it is not always easy when budgets are tight.
For these times, the CalFresh program can help. CalFresh (federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) is a federally mandated, state-supervised, and county-operated government program that provides monthly food benefits to assist low-income households in purchasing the food they need to maintain adequate nutritional levels. In general, these benefits are for any food or food product intended for human consumption and can add to your food budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. The CalFresh program may be able to help you if you are finding it difficult to afford the nutritious food that you and your family needs. The State of California currently serves over 4.2 million people via the CalFresh program with an average monthly benefit of around $141 per person. The amount of benefits you can receive is dependent on your family size, countable income, and monthly expenses such as housing, utilities, etc. All U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Resident children may qualify to receive CalFresh benefits, regardless of where the parents were born. Parents may also qualify for benefits if all other program guidelines are met. Individuals with no children also may qualify. The program issues monthly benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores. These benefits are issued on an Electronic
Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. This card looks like any other credit card. You do not have to be on welfare to get CalFresh benefits. Eligibility for CalFresh assistance, as well as the benefit amount, is based on your household’s size and income level. Benefits may NOT be used for items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or paper products.
CalFresh and Immigration You Can Get CalFresh and Still Become a U.S. Citizen.
Do not be afraid to apply for the CalFresh program. Some farmworkers who are considering U.S. Citizenship may worry that participating in CalFresh may jeopardize their ability to become a citizen. They worry that accepting CalFresh benefits may turn them into a “public charge.” This is not the case. A “public charge” is a person who depends on long-term government support. If an immigrant is a “public charge,” he or she may not get legal status in the U.S. n You will NOT become a “public charge” because you are getting CalFresh. n If you get CalFresh, it will NOT hurt your chances of getting a green card. n You will NOT lose your green card because you are getting CalFresh. n Applying for CalFresh will NOT affect your (or your family’s) immigration status.
4
n
You will NOT be denied U.S. citizenship because you get CalFresh benefits. n “Public charge” rules do not apply to programs like CalFresh, WIC and school lunch programs. n Immigration information is private and will NOT be shared. n All children born in the U.S. can get CalFresh benefits if they qualify. It does not matter where their parents were born. n Even if sponsored non-citizens refuse CalFresh benefits, the rest of their household can still get benefits. However, non-citizens who are in the U.S. temporarily, such as those with a student visa, cannot get CalFresh.
Applying for CalFresh There are over 240 CalFresh offices in California operated by local county welfare departments. Low-income people may apply for CalFresh at any office located in the county where they live. To find information on your county, visit www.cdss. ca.gov/County-Offices. You may also apply for CalFresh benefits on the Internet at the www. BenefitsCal.org website. Just select your county of residence from the dropdown menu and you will be a step closer to getting CalFresh benefits. You can also click on your preferred language at the top of the webpage to make it easier. For more information about CalFresh, visit www.calfresh.ca.gov or call 1-877-847-3663.
Norovirus Cases at Annual Peak
T
HE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT of Public Health (CDPH) has announced that we are seeing the annual peak in the number of cases of Norovirus, commonly referred to as the “stomach flu.” CDPH is working with local public health departments across California to help control Norovirus outbreaks that have increased in the past month. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). Norovirus infection can spread quickly in closed and crowded environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, and schools. Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States. Every year, it causes an estimated 19–21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis. Norovirus is very infectious and can spread rapidly wherever people congregate and share food and bathroom facilities. Fortunately, most people with Norovirus infection will recover quickly, usually in one to three days. While it is possible to become infected with Norovirus at any time of the year, Norovirus activity is seasonal and typically peaks in late winter or spring each year. This year’s peak is somewhat later than usual. You can get it more than once because there are many different strains. There can be a higher incidence of Norovirus illnesses in years when there is a new strain of the virus going around.
How is Norovirus Spread? Norovirus is found in the feces and vomit of infected people and can spread easily from person to person. People can become infected in several ways, including:
n
having direct contact with another person who is infected (for example, caring for or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill) n eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with Norovirus, such as food touched by an ill food handler or undercooked seafood that has been harvested from contaminated waters n touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their mouth before hand washing Norovirus can remain in a person’s body for up to two weeks after that person feels better. It can also stay on surfaces for a long time so, proper disinfection is essential to stop the spread.
Symptoms of Norovirus Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain or stomach cramps. Other symptoms can include a low-grade fever, headache, and body aches. Symptoms of Norovirus usually begin 12-to 48 hours after infection. While most people with Norovirus get better within 1 to 3 days, the virus can make a person feel extremely ill with vomiting and diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults and people with other illnesses.
5
There is no specific treatment for Norovirus infection. Drink plenty of fluids to replace fluid lost from throwing up and diarrhea and prevent dehydration. If you become very dehydrated, please see your healthcare provider. Symptoms of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy. It is important that children with Norovirus stay well-hydrated. Fortunately, Norovirus illnesses are usually selflimiting and resolve with care and time.
Stopping Transmission of Norovirus n
The best ways to stop transmission from occurring is to properly wash hands and handle food safely. n Infected people should stay at home when they’re sick, and avoid caring for other people and preparing food for others during illness and for at least two days after symptoms stop. n Surfaces and objects in contact with vomit or diarrhea should be disinfected with a bleach solution or washed in a washing machine with detergent. n Wear gloves and wash hands carefully after any contact with contaminated objects. For more information on Norovirus, visit the California Department of Public Health’s Norovirus webpage: www. cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/ Pages/Norovirus.aspx
Migrant Education Programs in California
T
HE MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM (MEP) is a federally funded program, authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). MEP is administered in all 50 states. MEP is designed to support high quality and comprehensive educational programs for migrant children to help reduce the educational disruption and other problems that result from repeated moves.
California’s MEP is supported by both federal and state laws. Although the state law does not provide funding for the program at this time, it does set out the administrative framework for delivering local MEP services through regional offices. The California MEP is the largest in the nation. One out of every three migrant students in the United States lives in California. Currently, there are over 102,000 migrant students attending California schools during the regular school year and 97,000 attending summer/intersession classes. According to ESSA the purpose of Migrant Education is to: n Support high-quality and comprehensive educational programs for migratory children to help reduce the educational disruption and other problems that result from repeated moves; n Ensure that migratory children who move among the states are not penalized in any manner by disparities among the states in curriculum, graduation requirements, and state academic content and student academic achievement standards; n Ensure that migratory children are provided with appropriate educational services (including supportive services) that address their special needs in a coordinated and efficient manner;
n
Ensure that migratory children receive full and appropriate opportunities to meet the same challenging state academic content and achievement standards that all children are expected to meet; n Design programs to help migratory children overcome educational disruption, cultural and language barriers, social isolation, various health-related problems, and other factors that inhibit the ability of such children to make a successful transition to postsecondary education or employment; and
A list of regional offices can be found by visiting: www.cde.ca.gov/ sp/me/mt/regions.asp or by calling the main Migrant Education Office at (916) 319-0851 n
Ensure that migratory children benefit from state and local systemic reforms. A child is considered “migratory” if the parent or guardian is a migratory worker in the agricultural, dairy, lumber, or fishing industries and whose family has moved
6
during the past three years. A “qualifying” move can range from moving across school district boundaries or from one state to another for the purpose of finding temporary or seasonal employment. A young adult may also qualify if he or she has moved on his own for the same reasons. The eligibility period is three years from the date of the last move. Eligibility is established through an interview conducted by a Migrant Education recruiter who visits both home and employment locations where migrant workers are employed. The law states that migrant education services are a priority for those students whose education has been interrupted during the current school year and who are failing, or are most at risk of failing to meet state content and performance standards. The California Migrant Education Office (MEO) annually reviews the grant applications and awards over $120 million to its grantees. Regional MEO’s may offer: n Educational support, including preschool readiness and family literacy programs n Summer school programs, including STEM camps n After-school programs, including tutorials, University Residential camps n Outdoor educational experiences Another is the Migrant Education School Readiness Program (MESRP), which is a statewide home-based and school-based family literacy education model. It assists migratory parents to increase literacy skills so that they can prepare their children, birth to seven years of age, to become successful learners.