Wes Kline and I have been fielding questions about whether farms will be closed down. Our answer is, “NO!” for the following reasons.
Agricultural is considered an essential industry by the state and federal governments. Agricultural workers are also considered essential. Your workers should not have an issue going to work. What you need to do is train your workers on proper hand washing and try to give as much space between workers as possible. Remember 6 ft between individuals should be maintained where practical. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has the latest information from the state at https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/. Our https://onfarmfoodsafety.rutgers.edu/ website has a series of factsheets and articles related to agriculture, including many in Spanish. This website is updated regularly so check to see what is new. Remember:
- Agricultural operations are considered essential.
- Farmer’s markets are specifically exempt from being closed in the executive order.
- Nurseries and greenhouses can operate.
What should an operation do to protect their workers and themselves?
- Repeated handwashing for 20 sec. This means as soon as people report to work, when they take breaks, when they use bathroom facilities, etc. This is not a time to make fun of handwashing – promote it! Hand sanitizers can be used if hands are not soiled. The better option is to wash hands then apply hand sanitizers. The sanitizer should be at least 60% alcohol.
- If you have more than one crew keep them separated. Have them work separately, take breaks separately and eat separately. Do not mix a crew once they are working together. If in a packinghouse clean and sanitize all equipment between each crew.
- Clean and sanitize break and eating areas before being occupied and before each time they are used.
- Space everyone 6 feet apart or as far as possible. This is difficult if a crew is riding a transplanter but do the best you can. Social distancing inside a labor camp with a common bunk room may be a challenge. Consider installing temporary/permanent screens/walls between bunks, separating bunks as far as space allows, or divide bunks into individual beds if practical/possible.
- If workers wear gloves, they must be single use and replaced frequently.
- What about masks? Cloth masks are acceptable, but they should be laundered daily. If masks are purchased, they should be replaced at least daily and more frequently if dirty.
- Should worker’s temperatures be taken at the beginning of the day? No, this is not recommended unless medical personnel carry out the operation. You need to know what the reading means, that the correct thermometer was used, etc.
Lead by example – Farm owners and supervisors must do the same thing that you expect your workers to do!
