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HOME > ABOUT > PRESS > FARMERWORKERS LEARN PESTICIDE SAFETY
Article published - March 6, 2008
Credit: NAPA VALLEY REGISTER
Farmworkers learn keys to pesticide safety at local event
By CARLOS VILLATORO
Hundreds of Napa County farmworkers gathered at Napa Valley Exposition Center Wednesday to learn the ins and outs of pesticides as part of the Napa County Farm Bureau’s 8th Annual Ag Pesticide Safety and Wellness Training event.
Since 1994, the Farm Bureau has educated vineyard workers about the potential dangers of pesticides and how to keep safe. New to this year’s event was an emphasis on the use of respiratory equipment. On Jan. 1, the state’s Department of Pesticide Regulation imposed a Respiratory Protection regulation on growers and ag-based businesses that calls for establishment of a respirator program and other safeguards against pesticides used on the job.
For farmworkers such as Lauro Servin, the use of a mask helps him avoid potentially dangerous pesticides while in the vineyards.
“They teach us how to use protection,” said Servin, who has worked for Servin-Lopez Vineyard Management out of St. Helena for the past five years. Servin said he knows the dangers of pesticides, but the safety training he receives from his employer allows him to do the job without worrying about his health.
Trainer Jon Kanagy, co-owner of Nord Vineyard Services, told a group of farmworkers they need to use masks each time the pesticide’s application guidelines require it. He also told them masks are to be worn whenever their employers require it.
“The company needs to have a program, in writing, that explains the use of respiratory masks,” he said.
Arnulfo Solorio, co-owner of Silverado Farming Company, said he trains his men every month about pesticides.
“It depends on the job we are doing,” he said. Sometimes, the jobs entail the use of pesticides and that’s where the proper training comes into play, Solorio said.
In Napa County, only a small number of pesticide-related injuries are reported each year, according to John Cooledge, deputy agricultural commissioner for Napa County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office.
“We have maybe five or six cases (per year),” Cooledge said. “We have to investigate every one of them. Most of the time there is no violation (of pesticide regulations).”
Cooledge said some cases can be caused by pesticide drift from a neighboring vineyard or allergic reactions to pesticides. In addition, deputies do spot enforcement visits to different vineyards throughout the county and make sure that regulations are being followed, Cooledge said.
Wednesday’s event wasn’t just about pesticides, co-sponsor Clinic Ole spoke with farmworkers about nutrition, tuberculosis, proper lifting techniques as well as avoiding on-the-job injuries.
“I think it’s a good way for us to do outreach,” said Arturo Fernandez, outreach and education manager at Clinic Ole. “It’s a good community service.”
Farmworkers also learned about common vineyard pests such as the glassy-winged sharpshooter and the vine mealybug and what to do when they suspect an infestation. Farm Bureau President Peter Nissen said the pesticide training seminar is just one of the many ways that growers help keep their workers safe while maintaining the health and stability of Napa’s vineyards.
“We see the benefits as outreach,” he said.
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