By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin's migrant farm workers received important safety and health upgrades on February 1st, 2024, with revised regulations taking effect. These changes, the first major update since 2007, address key areas including disease prevention, heat protection, and camp living conditions.
Highlights of the New Rules:
- Public Health: Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the revised rules mandate reporting specific illnesses to local health officials and require isolation for sick workers to safeguard public health in migrant labor camps.
- Heat Protection: Recognizing the dangers of heat stress, the updated regulations enforce stricter field sanitation standards. Employers must now implement heat illness prevention plans, including mandatory shade breaks at 80°F and additional measures at 95°F, empowering workers to prioritize their safety.
- Enhanced Living Conditions: Migrant labor camps will see improvements with updated requirements for urinals and showerheads, improved access to laundry facilities, and other safety upgrades.
While some changes like physical modifications require time for implementation, employers and relevant parties can request variances for specific situations. Last year, around 281 employers managed 261 migrant labor camps in Wisconsin, all of whom will be notified of the revisions.
The Governor's Council on Migrant Labor, representing employers, migrant workers, and state officials, played a crucial role in shaping these changes. Public meetings and consultations with various agencies ensured diverse perspectives were incorporated.
These revised regulations demonstrate Wisconsin's commitment to the well-being of its migrant farm workers, who play a vital role in the state's agricultural sector. Continuous stakeholder engagement and collaboration will be crucial in ensuring ongoing improvements and fostering a safe and healthy work environment for this essential workforce.
Visit the Services for Migrant Seasonal Farm Workers website for more information and resources for employers and workers.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-brzozowska
Categories: Wisconsin, Rural Lifestyle