Rural Health & Safety
FCFB's Rural Health and Safety provides guidance and safety classes on health and safety issues affecting Fresno County agricultural businesses, producers, families and employees.
Safety Seminars
Cotton Harvest Safety Training
In conjunction with State Fund, we hold our annual Cotton Harvest Safety Training. The annual safety program is directed to cotton harvest equipment operators, crews, ginners, and farm workers in conjunction with farm managers/supervisors and growers. All segments are conducted in both English and Spanish. The training is an excellent opportunity to prepare workers for a safe harvest season by reviewing equipment, electrical, road, and pesticide safety. Informational handouts and certificates of participation are provided to document safety and health training.
Class scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2008. The event will take place at the U.C. West Side Field Station on the southwest corner of Oakland and Lassen Ave., six miles south of Five Points.
Hazardous
Materials Transportation Training
In conjunction with California Safety Training Corporation, we host an agriculture hazardous materials transportation training. The training is for persons 21 years and older, who have a current class C driver’s license. Participants will receive a DL-267 certificate that will enable them to legally transport hazardous agricultural materials on public roadways, (within a 50 mile radius) without a commercial driver’s license. All segments are conducted in both English and Spanish.
The cost of the class is $20 for Farm Bureau members; payable at the door to: Fresno County Farm Bureau.
No classes currently scheduled call the Farm Bureau office to request class. Classes are typically held in December.
Heat Stress Training
In conjunction with State Compensation Insurance Fund, we host a Heat Illness Prevention Seminar. The free program typically begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 11 a.m.
The seminars will focus on ways to prevent heat-induced illnesses for field and farm employees, and will discuss current regulations governing heat stress prevention that were approved in 2005. All segments will be conducted in both English and Spanish.
This is an excellent opportunity to prepare supervisors and employees for safe summer time working conditions. Informational handouts and certificates of participation will be provided to document safety and health training.
No Classes currently scheduled call Farm Bureau office to request class. Classes are typically held in May.
Reminder: Farmers need to comply with heat illness prevention program, Ag Today Article, June 08
Train the Trainer: Tractor safety
In conjunction with State Compensation Insurance Fund, we host “Train the Trainer” tractor safety classes. The program will call attention to training requirements and will provide hands-on demonstrations.
No Classes currently scheduled call Farm Bureau office to request class. Classes are typically held in January.
What's new
Important Information about Heat Illness
The well-being of our workforce is a priority for all California farmers. Heat illness is a health and safety issue that farmers and ranchers have been concerned about for many years. Farmers recognize the potential risks of heat exposure, just as employers do in construction, manufacturing and other industries where heat is an issue. We take the necessary steps to protect our employees, not only from heat illness but from other potential health and safety hazards as well. Here are some basic tips for heat illness prevention:
- Drink small amounts of water frequently
- Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink
- Start work earlier in the day, to avoid the afternoon heat
- Know how to recognize the symptoms of heat illness, such as poor concentration, cramping, fatigue, blurry vision, headache, dizziness, nausea, etc.
- If you notice heat illness symptoms in yourself or a co-worker, have the victim stop working, find shade, loosen clothing, get fluids, and fan the body with any item available
- Serious fluid loss can lead to heat stroke, which is an emergency - if this happens, seek medical help right away
Heat Stress Card in English and Spanish
Reminder: Farmers need to comply with heat illness prevention program, Ag Today Article, June 08
Additional Resources
- Safety - Tips, information and programs such as DOT's Alcohol and Drug Testing programs, safety seminars, agricultural hazardous materials training and Cal\OSHA compliance.
- Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) Website:
Safety Checklist
- Health - Information and links on health issues, such as stress management, nutrition and access to health care are also included.
