Change your clocks, change your batteries

Source: National Fire Protection Association

As we “spring forward” this weekend for daylight savings, it’s the perfect time to also check your smoke alarm batteries. In farm-provided employee housing, safety is a top priority and ensuring smoke alarms are working properly can make all the difference in an emergency. Don’t wait—take a few extra minutes to change those batteries and protect your families and coworkers year-round. 

The following information from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is to help make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries, accounting for the multiple types of smoke alarms on the market and their varying battery requirements: 

  • Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. 
  • Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. 
  • When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Change your clocks, change your batteries appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

Every year in the United States hundreds of people perish, and tens of thousands are treated in emergency rooms for accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. In recent weeks, there have been reports both locally and nationally where carbon monoxide poisoning has been the cause for tragedies that could have been avoided with awareness, and preparation.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas released from incomplete combustion of fuels from man-made sources, such as vehicle engines, and from natural occurrences such as forest and brush fires. It is nearly undetectable by humans because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Dangers

Carbon monoxide, when inhaled, prevents oxygen from attaching to the blood, and disrupts the release of oxygen already in the blood, preventing oxygen from entering tissues. This severely effects the organs that need oxygen the most like our brains and hearts. Immediate medical treatment is critical. Even low doses of carbon monoxide over a period of time will produce symptoms that mimic a cold or flulike symptoms.  If you feel better once you are away from the enclosed area (home or workspace) carbon monoxide poisoning should be considered.

If you witness someone suffering from any of these symptoms, CALL 911, and use extreme caution so you too do not become a victim.

  • Altered level of consciousness
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Impaired judgement
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures

Sources

  • Machinery and vehicles with engines.
  • Fuel burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces.
  • Gas, oil, and propane fired space heaters.

Prevention

  • Proper ventilation when using carbon monoxide producing appliances.
  • Never use cooking ovens or stovetops for home heating.
  • Have all heating systems and chimneys inspected and serviced annually.
  • Follow instructions and warnings for indoor heaters.
  • Do not run engines in a building without proper ventilation.

Detection

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends carbon monoxide detectors be installed:

  • On every occupiable floor including the basement
  • In each bedroom, or outside the bedroom but within 15 feet of the bedroom door.
  • In every bedroom that contains a fuel burning appliance (fireplace, gas fired heater, etc.)
  • At a height of at least five feet from the ground or floor level
  • Always check for additional local requirements.

It is up to you to make carbon monoxide safety a priority – awareness and preparedness are the best defense against tragedy. Act now to ensure your family and employees are safe from this terrible threat.

Print these safety sheets from NFPA to increase awareness on your farm:

English

NFPA CO Safety Sheet – English

Spanish

NFPA CO Safety Sheet – Spanish


By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

 

Invasion Alert! Safeguarding Farm-provided Employee Housing from Insect Enemies

In “Oh, RATS! How to Evict Them from Farm-provided Employee Housing”, we outlined strategies to keep furry intruders at bay. But now, as bug season is upon us, it’s time to address a new menace: those uninvited six-legged visitors.

 

Keeping insects out of farm-provided employee housing is critical for resident health and safety, ensuring comfort, maintaining productivity, preserving property, regulatory compliance, and community reputation. Drawing from the expertise and resources of the NYSIPM Program housed at Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, let’s fortify our defenses and prepare for this summer’s buggy invasion of farm-provided employee housing.

Insects don’t do clean. By eliminating potential food sources, we can make our housing less inviting to these unwelcome guests.

Here’s how:

  • Communicate the importance of sanitation to residents.
  • Establish a system and schedule for cleaning maintenance.
  • Equip residents with the tools needed for effective cleaning.
  • Encourage storage of food items in sealed containers.
  • Be mindful of cultural differences that may affect cleaning expectations.
  • Food spills and crumbs on the stove and other surfaces should be cleaned up after each meal.

This helpful cleaning schedule can be posted as a guide: Cleaning Schedule for Farm-provided Employee Housing

Don’t underestimate those tiny crevices – they’re pest highways! By sealing gaps and cracks, we create a barrier that prevents insects from entering living spaces and eliminates hiding spots.

Here’s what to do:

  • Conduct a thorough inspection of the housing unit for openings.
  • Close all potential entry points with sealant materials that will not shrink or weatherstripping.

Screens: frontline defense against flying invaders. Properly installed screens allow ventilation while keeping flying insects outside.

Here’s how to ensure their effectiveness:

  • Ensure all doors and windows have screens.
  • Regularly inspect screens for tears or holes.
  • Confirm doors and windows close tightly.

Outdoors is where the battle begins. Yard maintenance is vital for reducing hiding areas and minimizing the likelihood of pests migrating indoors.

Here’s what to do:

  • Trim vegetation, especially near foundations.
  • Remove unused objects and debris from the surroundings to reduce hiding places.
  • Eliminate standing water sources to eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitos.

Pesticides: ensure legal and proper use. Used properly, pesticides are a useful tool in managing insect pests. Here’s what you need to know:

IMPORTANT! With one exception, anyone—including the farm owner—who applies pesticides in farm-provided employee housing must be a certified applicator in Commercial Subcategory 7A or work under the direct supervision of someone who is. The exception is that a farm employee can apply pesticides to farm-provided housing if both of these conditions apply: (1) the person has a written lease to occupy the housing (whether or not any rent is charged) AND (2) the pesticide is classified as general use (i.e., can be purchased by anyone, such as at a hardware store).  If the farm owner only wants certified applicators to apply pesticides to the housing, they can add language to the lease that prohibits employees from applying pesticides.

If employees are allowed to use pesticides, here’s what to tell the employee to do:

  • The employee must apply the pesticide only as directed on the product label.
  • The employee must follow all use precautions on the label to protect themselves and their family and pets.
  • The employee must store pesticides and other household chemicals out of the reach of children.

Here is a great fact sheet from the NYS IPM Program: CCE-PSEP Pesticide Education Fact Sheet: Storing Pesticides at Home

By implementing these proactive strategies, residents and farm managers can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment. Through regular maintenance, proper sanitation, and strategic pest management, we can fend off insect invaders and ensure the well-being of all inhabitants. Let the bug battle begin!

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By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Invasion Alert! Safeguarding Farm-provided Employee Housing from Insect Enemies appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

Cultivating Productivity Through Comfortable Farm-provided Employee Housing

After a strenuous day of spring work, weary bodies yearn for the restorative power of home: a hot shower, a cold drink, and perhaps the last innings of an evening game from the comfort of a recliner. Home becomes the sanctuary where exhausted muscles recover, tired minds find respite, and spirits are rejuvenated. Tomorrow brings a fresh beginning, met with renewed energy. Home is where it starts. 

Yet, the benefits of comfortable farm-provided worker housing extend beyond physical rejuvenation. A well-rested workforce is a productive one. Studies consistently demonstrate that adequate sleep enhances cognitive function, motor skills, and decision-making abilities—all critical in getting farm work done. In addition, fatigue and stress heighten the risk of accidents, jeopardizing not only workers but also the farm’s operations and reputation. Prioritizing comfortable living conditions lays the foundation for peak performance and safety in the workplace. 

At its core, providing comfortable farm worker housing isn’t just a matter of goodwill—it’s a strategic investment resulting in season-long productivity, which includes the following: 

Access to basic amenities 

  • Clean and sufficient water supply
  • Well-equipped kitchen facilities
  • Adequate number of bathrooms for residents
  • Sufficient means for laundering clothes
  • Internet access and communication facilities 

Sleeping arrangements 

  • Comfortable, clean mattresses and bedding
  • Good ventilation and temperature control
  • Ample space for movement
  • Minimal light and noise disruptions

Clean and hygienic living conditions 

  • Regular cleaning schedules
  • Plentiful hot water for bathing and cleaning
  • Access to waste disposal

Spaces for relaxation and recreation 

  • Common rooms
  • Outdoor seating areas
  • Sports facilities

Safety and security measures  

  • Proper lighting
  • Door and window locks
  • Emergency procedures (911 address posted in plain sight)

In addition to the physical benefits of adequate farm-provided employee housing, a comfortable home environment fosters a sense of belonging, security, and dignity—critical elements for mental well-being and employee satisfaction. A workforce that feels valued and respected is more likely to exhibit loyalty, dedication, and enthusiasm—engagement that results in workforce stability and productivity.  

Our bodies are remarkable powerhouses, capable of being revitalized time and again. Our homes are the charging stations for our body’s endurance. Take a moment to consider the revitalizing features your home provides after a long day and how they shape your mindset and productivity for the following day. Then, assess the resources your farm-provided employee housing offers your employees, and seize the opportunities to help them to reach their fullest potential. 

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By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Cultivating Productivity Through Comfortable Farm-provided Employee Housing appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

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Get a Fresh Start for Employee Housing this Spring!

In “Culture Starts in the Toilet!”, Mary Lewis reminds us that “bathroom etiquette should be taught along with all the other protocols and onboarding.” Employee housing is best when performance goals, expectations, and responsibilities are clearly understood among occupants and management, new employee onboarding should also cover provided housing. Just as you explain to your new hires how to limit fruit bruising and prevent a high somatic cell count, you must also explain how to care for the housing you provide.  

Spring is a great time of the year to re-establish housing expectations and encourage a positive housing culture with new arrivals and existing employees. The following steps from the Orientation Guide for Occupants of Farm Housing are guidelines for farm-provided employee housing managers.  

Goals: Setting goals helps establish new habits and sharpens focus.
Have goals been identified? 

Are they clearly communicated? 

Responsibilities: Assigning responsibilities can guide decision making that can lead to improved conditions. 
What are the responsibilities and how are they assigned?
Are they posted for all parties to view?
What are the consequences for not performing them? 

The following link is to a helpful poster available from the New York State Department of Health: 
Responsibilities of Operator and Occupants of Migrant Farmworker Housing 

Inspections: Performing routine inspections ensures the housing is being maintained safely and prevents costly repairs due to neglect. 

Is there a manager designated to conduct inspections?
What is the protocol for addressing failure to meet expectations? 

Housing Rules: Establishing written house rules can help keep employees and their families safe and may protect you from liability.  

Are rules established and posted?
Who enforces the rules? 

The Orientation Guide for Occupants of Farm Housing also contains recommendations on kitchen care and food safety, bedroom, bathroom, and basic mechanical operations.

For further assistance contact Jay Canzonier at Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development.  

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By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Get a Fresh Start for Employee Housing this Spring! appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

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