Oregon OSHA

Oregon law requires employers to protect workers from the summer heat. Aaron Corvin, with Oregon OSHA, said the rules start at 80 degrees and increase at 90 degrees.

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services will host a two-day event early next month, trying to put a spotlight on the importance of workplace safety and health.  The 17th annual Blue Mountain Occupational Safety and Health Conference, slated for June 2nd-3rd at the Pendleton Convention Center, will address farm and electrical safety to safety committee and personal protective equipm

The Oregon Department of Justice confirmed last week the state OSHA has the authority to adopt rules for farm worker housing.  Opponents claimed OSHA had reached beyond the agency’s legal authority when ag labor housing rules were crafted.  The DOJ said ...

The Oregon Farm Bureau is warning that legislation moving through the state House could have a detrimental impact on farm worker housing operations.  Under House Bill 3194, landowners can be held liable for any worker, housed illegally on the property and in violation of OSHA regulations.  The Far...

Earlier this week, Oregon state Representative Anna Scharf published a legal opinion determining the state’s OSHA ag labor housing rules broke state law, by reaching beyond the agency’s legal authority.  The Amity Republican said the problem started six years ago, when OSHA started an updated rule process.  She noted the agency ref...

Oregon farmers say new farmworker housing rules could lead to workforce shortages.  Farmworker advocates said the rules don’t address all of their concerns, while farmers say they can’t afford the changes.   Oregon is updating farmworker housing rules that some advocates have said are alarmingly outdated.  The requirements come af...

Last week, the Oregon Department of Agriculture announced they are accepting applications for Agriculture Workforce Housing Grants.  With $5 million in funding available, ODA said this grant program can support housing operators in meeting OSHA requirements, helping ensure compliance with critical health and safety standards.  Applica...

Under a proposal being considered by Oregon OSHA, farmers who provide housing for agricultural workers within the state would have to follow new rules.  Oregon OSHA already has rules for working outdoors in the heat.  This proposal would change that rule to include cooling farm worker’s housing.   "To be capable o...

Oregon OSHA recently announced new permanent rules the agency say swill protect workers during extreme heat and smoke events. Ira Cuello-Martinez with PCUN, a farm worker union, is pleased to see new guidelines for things like water and shade access ...