According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, agriculture is one of the most hazardous industrial sectors to work in. Liz Wagstrom, assistant vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff, said, “The swine industry has always been concerned with ensuring the safety and health of our workers. Occupational safety is an issue that affects all types and sizes of operations, from the farm employing only family members to the operation hiring dozens of employees.“

Agriculture is also one of the leading industries in Hispanic worker employment. Wagstrom said, “Safety should be a concern of all employers and employees, regardless of the language they speak.“

The Pork Production Safety System materials guide producers and employees on issues related to occupational safety and regulations. The set includes materials for trainers, including an instructor CD and a DVD with video clips that can be used to customize any production safety presentation; materials for producers, including a guide to OSHA regulations, information on providing a safe workplace and a template for developing a customized worker safety plan and materials for employees, including an employee handbook and CD.

“Our Pork Production Safety System materials in English were very well received,“ said Wagstrom. “But in some farms, over 50 percent of the workforce has limited use of the English language. It only makes sense that we facilitate the learning process for workers of Hispanic background as well.“

Pork Production Safety System materials can be obtained from the Pork Checkoff at (800) 456-PORK at no cost to producers.

The PigSite News Desk