Cal AgrAbility staff has been invited to conduct workshops for employers and farm workers of several large agricultural operations in Northern California. Training staff focused on recognizing the cultural influences and stressors from farm life on growers and workers and identifying the physical hazards encountered in the farm environment. An emphasis on hazard assessments and injury prevention opened up discussion on the impacts of disability and injury and how to work safely under these circumstances to reduce secondary injuries. The introduction of Cal AgrAbility to employers and workers was well-received as many employees are not rehired after an injury occurs. Additional outreach to some of the larger commodity associations (i.e., grapes, cattle, poultry, citrus) will hopefully garner interest in learning more about injury reduction and farming with disabilities.
Submitted by: Martha Stiles