30 Sep Oregon OSHA announced proposed rules for Agricultural Labor Housing

Oregon OSHA announced proposed rules for Agricultural Labor Housing

Farmworkers deserve housing that upholds their safety and health by providing secure, healthy, and respectful living conditions. On September 5th, 2024, Oregon OSHA announced proposed rules for Agricultural Labor Housing which offer some improved protections for farmworkers, including a requirement of a private changing area in or adjacent to shower facilities, locking stalls for shower facilities, additional water testing for arsenic and nitrate, improved toilet ratios, required cooking/food preparation areas, and hot and cold water near food areas. These improved provisions affirm that farmworkers deserve essential amenities and safety in farmworker housing.

With this announcement, Oregon OSHA has begun the public comment period for this proposed rulemaking, which will be open until 11:55 PM on November 3rd. Public comments can be submitted at any time before that deadline to OSHA.rulemaking@dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon OSHA will be holding five virtual public hearings related to this rulemaking on the following dates and times:

•Thursday, October 17, 1:00 p.m. Virtual Register in advance for this webinar: HERE 

•Thursday, October 17, 6:00 p.m. Virtual Register in advance for this webinar: HERE 

•Friday, October 18, 11:00 a.m. Virtual ** This hearing will be conducted in Spanish ** Register in advance for this webinar: HERE

•Monday, October 21, 6:00 p.m. Virtual ** This hearing will be conducted in Spanish ** Register in advance for this webinar: HERE

•Friday, October 25, 10:00 a.m. Virtual Register in advance for this webinar: HERE

Stay tuned for more information!