Countless lives were lost and more than a million acres destroyed during the most devastating wildfire season in California. The state that is home to more than 400,000 agricultural jobs, many of which involve long hours outdoors, experienced hazardous air quality as a result of the fires. More than a week after the last fires were contained, there is still uncertainty surrounding the agricultural industry’s efforts to prepare its workforce during such crises.
How do EFI-certified operations respond to climate-fueled disasters?
One of the attributes that characterize operations certified by Equitable Food Initiative is that worker welfare is at the same level as food safety.
EFI-certified berry grower Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce responded with preventive measures on the field. The company has three certified farms in the affected areas and in preparation for the wildfire pollution they provided N95 disposable face masks to its employees.
“The company had individual meetings with each crew to discuss the issue. We informed the teams that masks were available, and reviewed the procedures of how to use them,” said Ernie Farley, partner at Andrew & Williamson. “We stressed that if anyone felt that they did not want to work in the smoky conditions their absence from work would be an excused absence,” he added.
EFI Leadership Teams are put in place on each certified operation to ensure healthier working conditions and to respond to concerns from the entire workforce. These groups are trained in problem-solving processes, data gathering, communication and conflict resolution. Skills which can be used to ensure procedures, material and protective gear are adequate and up to standards.
“The EFI Leadership Teams will keep the air quality issue on their meeting agendas. If we hear any feedback of our handling of the situation, both good or bad, we will address it and improve our processes moving forward,” Farley pointed.
Working in the areas affected by the blaze without due protection could have immediate effects on the health of farmworkers. By following EFI standards and the California Code of Regulations, our certified operations prevented farmworkers from suffering respiratory problems and irritation, among other threats associated by the toxic smoke.
EFI is proud to have partners committed to creating healthier and safer work environments.
Learn more about our Leadership Teams.
Written by: Rebecca Castrejon, Digital and Communications Associate for EFI
Photo by I.ANGELPHOTO
