worker housing

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...

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...