"A newly published UC Berkeley study takes a highly critical view of Sonoma County's Ag Pass program, adding to previous analyses that suggest the system, which allows agricultural workers into disaster evacuation zones when approved by the Sheriff's Office, keeps local industry humming at the expense of worker health and safety. Among the findings of a survey of more than 1,000 Sonoma County farmworkers"
"37% said their employers had not provided them with any personal protective equipment while they were working during fires. 66% said their health was affected by working during wildfires, with 83% of those citing eye irritation, 75% reporting headaches and 45% shortness of breath. 57% said they felt sick but continued to work because they couldn't afford the lost income, and 51% said they did so because they were afraid of losing their jobs."
The Ag Pass program allows agricultural workers into disaster evacuation zones when approved by the Sheriff's Office. A survey of more than 1,000 Sonoma County farmworkers found 75% worked during active wildfires or in the presence of wildfire smoke. Thirty-seven percent reported receiving no personal protective equipment while working during fires. Sixty-six percent reported health impacts from working during wildfires, including eye irritation, headaches, and shortness of breath. Fifty-seven percent continued working while sick because they could not afford lost income, and 51% feared job loss. Only 25% said they would feel safe signing up for the program through the Sheriff's Office. The program expanded access but primarily met owners/operators' needs.
Read at www.pressdemocrat.com
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