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Ruben Garcia, who is a farm labor contractor, works with other contractors to bring crews together to learn how to prevent heat stroke, how to detect it if it happens and how to prevent other problems that might occur. Garcia helped organize a safety day held at the Hatterle farm Wednesday. (Jennifer M. Howell/News-Sentinel)
Out of harm's way
Growers, contractors educate farm laborers in harvest safety
After the tragic May 14 heat-related death of Maria Isabel Vasquez Jimenez in a Farmington vineyard, an emphasis was put on farm safety practices for migrant laborers.
On Wednesday, a group of about 70 laborers, contractors, growers and speakers gathered at vineyardist Roland Hatterle's farm to learn about safety and to train in various aspects of harvesting and equipment operation. The sessions come a few weeks before harvest and are held every year.
Ruben Garcia, who is a farm labor contractor, works with other contractors to bring crews together to learn how to prevent heat stroke, how to detect it if it happens and how to prevent other problems that might occur.
"We do it every year. We try to do this before harvesting," Garcia said. The session lasted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a simple lunch between speakers.
Joe Meraz, a loss control consultant with the State Compensation Insurance Fund, was on-hand to speak about Cal-OSHA standards, as well as talk about the importance of spotting the signs of heat illness.
"We talk about how to prevent heat stroke. Some of the signs are redness, fatigue, cramps, headaches and muscle spasms," Meraz said. He went on to say that he has been speaking quite frequently lately on the topic.
Garcia said he and other contractors work to make sure laborers have plenty of water and portables available at every job site.
"If workers are safe and happy, they work harder," Garcia said.
Joaquin Raya, program manager for migrant education in region 23 of the San Joaquin County Office of Education, had brought his crew of recruiters to tell laborers about the services they offer to the children of migrant workers.
Lodi vineyardist Roland Hatterle talks about heat safety before a heat illness seminar that took place Wednesday at his farm. Hatterle built the shade cart pictured in the background. (Jennifer M. Howell/News-Sentinel)
Recruiters with the Office of Education will routinely go into fields during harvest to tell laborers about their services.
"We have preschool in-home programs, and we send tutors to the homes of high school age children," said Barbara Mellado, one of the recruiters accompanying Raya on Wednesday. "Our goal is for them to graduate."
Since Raya, Mellado and other recruiters are well-known by different contractors, they work together to help laborers get the services they need. They also work to help migrants and their children learn the English language and learn about proper hygiene. Another safety aspect that was featured prominently at this year's meeting was a portable awning, mounted on a trailer, to provide shade to those showing the signs of heat stroke.
Hatterle took an idea that Garcia had, and worked all day Tuesday into the night to construct the awning. He said traditional portable shades would regularly fall over, and something more sturdy was needed. When heat stroke sets in, the victim has about five minutes to get into the shade and start recovery. The trailer and awning can be easily brought to the victim.
Raymond Ochoa, another farm labor contractor said the trailer would be the right size for an 18 person crew, and since he has about four crews, he'd make sure to have four of the trailers available.
"People need to understand when they're in trouble," Ochoa said. "I give training every day. I tell (my workers) take care of yourself."
Contact Business Editor Marc Lutz at marcl@lodinews.com.
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