Last updated: 4/30/2020

What U.S. Farmworkers should know about their health and safety at work during COVID-19

This is not legal advice. For free, confidential advice about your case, call us at (956) 996-8752 (if you live or work in Texas) or 866-721-7828 (if you work in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Tennessee).

PART 1: COVID-19 BASICS & PREPARATION

What is COVID-19? Is it serious?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person. It can be very serious. The government estimates that 20 to 30% of people with COVID-19 symptoms are hospitalized, and 2 to 3% die. Even young, healthy people can become seriously ill.

How does COVID-19 spread?

From person to person. Usually, by touching, sneezing, or coughing, and possibly by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your face. Someone who doesn't have symptoms can still spread the virus.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Usually, fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Other symptoms include chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of sense of taste or smell.

How can I prepare for COVID-19?

  • Ask your employer or recruiter what specific steps they’re taking to protect workers from COVID-19.If you can, reject jobs with growers who aren’t protecting workers.

  • Consider getting health insurance. Depending on your income, you may qualify for Medicaid. Call 1-800-318-2596 for help signing up (in English and Spanish).

  • Before you travel to a new job, ask your boss for a paper you can show to anyone who stops you explaining that you are an essential worker excused from local quarantine orders.

How can I protect myself at work?

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Clean your hands before and after work, meals, bathroom breaks, trips to stores or laundromats, using group transportation, or handling shared items like tools or cooking utensils.

  • Create a schedule with your coworkers to clean and disinfect your housing, vehicles, and tools every day.

  • Because even healthy people can spread the virus, plan with your coworkers how to stay at least six feet away from each other as much as possible. Talk to your boss about moving beds and furniture in your housing as far apart as possible. Ride in buses and vans in small groups, so no one sits close together, even if it means sending a few people to the store to buy things for everyone or alternating trips. Ask your boss to help work crews stay at least six feet apart at worksites.

  • Wear a face mask when you’re around other people, even in your housing. If you don’t have a face mask, wear a bandana or other covering over your nose and mouth. Always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

PART 2: YOUR RIGHTS AND COMMON QUESTIONS

What are my health and safety rights at work?

Everyone has the right to:

  • a safe workplace free from known health and safety hazards.

  • speak up about health and safety concerns without being retaliated against.

  • be trained in a language you understand.

  • be provided necessary safety gear, such as protective masks.

  • request a government inspectionand speak to an inspector. Regardless of whether you have lawful immigration status, you have the right to a healthy and safe workplace.

What can I do if I feel sick?

  • Tell your employer. It is unlawful for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting an illness you got at work.

  • Call a doctoror the closest migrant health clinic. A map of clinics is available at http://www.ncfh.org/migrant-health-centers.html.Tell the doctor you live with other workers, and ask if you should come in for treatment. Follow the doctor's orders.

  • Stay away from other people, and wear a face mask if you must be near others. If your boss employs less than 500 workers, you have the right to two weeks of paid sick leaveif:(1) a doctor tells you to quarantine because of COVID-19, or (2) you have COVID-19 symptoms and are trying to get a diagnosis.

What if my job ends early or gets canceled because of COVID-19?

  • If you’re authorized to work in the U.S., you’re probably eligible for new forms of emergency unemployment insurance. If you live in Texas, visit https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-servicesor call 1-800-939-6631 to apply. What can I do if I feel like my workplace is unsafe?

  • If you feel comfortable doing so, try to talk to your boss about the problem. If you can, bring up the issue together with your coworkers, and take pictures or videos of the problem. There are no guarantees, but documenting your concerns helps protect against retaliation.

  • You can file a confidential complaint about unsafe conditions or retaliation with OSHA, the federal agency that enforces health and safety laws, by calling 800-321-6742. You can also report unsafe conditions to your local city or county health department.

  • If your boss refuses to give you paid sick leave, you can file a confidential complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor. Call 866-487-9243 to find the office closest to you.You can also call us for assistance at (956) 996-8752.