The state of Iowa has provided guidance for keeping field workers safe during the 2020 growing season in response to challenges posed by COVID-19.
Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Department of Public Health have released theirCOVID-19 Guidance for Agriculture Employers, Farm Labor Contractors, Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers, and Migrant Labor Camp Operators to help keep workers, and all Iowans, safe. Included in the document is guidance for transportation of workers, housing and sleeping units, eating areas, restrooms/bathrooms, and tools used in the field. Information also is provided for handling situations where workers are showing COVID-19 symptoms and when a worker is diagnosed with the virus.
Many of the guidelines involve additional physical separation through spacing or barriers as well as additional cleaning protocols. The full document can be found here. The Iowa Seed Association encourages members to use the information provided to help maintain a healthy and productive growing season.
If you have additional questions or concerns, contact Joan O’Brien who can assist with connecting you to the proper resource to answer your question – joano
agribiz
org or 515-975-7461 (cell).
COVID-19 Guidance for Agriculture Employers, Farm Labor Contractors, Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers, and Migrant Labor Camp Operators
Farming is an essential business operation and activity, often supported by the use of migrant and seasonal farmworkers. COVID-19 can spread rapidly in settings with many people living in close proximity, including living facilities for migrant farmworkers. Agriculture employers and farm labor contractors who provide housing for migrant workers should implement plans to prevent exposure to the virus that causes COVID- 19, care for individuals with COVID-19 and prevent community transmission of the disease. Commitment to strong sanitary protocols will decrease operational impacts.
Individuals above the age of 65 and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, and chronic heart disease, or a compromised immune system (e.g., cancer, cancer treatment, or other immunosuppressant treatments) have a greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This could include agricultural workers with lung problems associated with exposure to common hazards and irritants such as smoke, pesticides, and fungi found in crops. The following recommendations from Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Department of Public Health are intended to prevent exposure to COVID-19, where possible, and protect the public health of the state.
The key components of a prevention plan for migrant farmworkers include:
Download the full document to read more.
FARMWORKER COVID-19 SAFE WORK PRACTICES AND INFECTION PREVENTION
Additionally, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has provided some additional resources to communicate with field workers.
Below is an informational document that can be shared with field workers written in both English and Spanish.
As you prepare your own field operations, ASTA has a checklist for keeping workers safe which can be used in conjunction with the state of Iowa guidance:
