AgSafe

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join AgSafe? If you are the owner, CEO, manager, or if you have been assigned the responsibility for job safety at your agricultural operation, you should belong to AgSafe. Membership in a professional organization like AgSafe will link you with others that have the information, experience and materials you need to be in compliance with California safety laws and regulations.

Aren't agricultural employers exempt from Cal/OSHA Regulations? The short answer is No! Every employer in California – including agriculture – has the responsibility to provide a safe and healthful work place. Also, since July 1, 1991, every employer in California is required to establish, implement and maintain an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). Cal/OSHA inspectors report that having just a written plan is not enough to pass an inspection. The company must show evidence that they are implementing their plan

Where do I get help with my safety program? The first thing to do is contact your workers’ compensation insurance broker and ask for loss control services. Next, assign the responsibility of job safety to one person in your organization. Then direct this person to join AgSafe right away!

Does AgSafe safety training cover the crops I grow? There is no easy answer to this question. California agriculture produces over 250 different commodities and most farms are diversified. There are no two farming operations in California that are exactly alike. So there is no “cookie-cutter” safety plan that can be applied to all agricultural operations in California. Besides, California safety law requires every company to have a safety plan that is unique to their particular operation. But AgSafe members report that soon after joining the association they get to know other members who have a similar operation and soon they are exchanging information and materials they can modify and apply to their program.

How much is it going to cost? There are two kinds of memberships. Company membership and Individual membership.

The cost of a Company membership is $250 a year. There are a number of benefits that a company membership provides. The membership belongs to the company and the Certificate of Membership has the company name on it. The company is listed in the AgSafe Directory and receives recognition as an AgSafe Company Member. In addition, up to five representatives from the company can be listed in the directory and receive a newsletter. A major benefit provided by the Company membership is that discounts are available to all of the company’s employees who attend an AgSafe sponsored event.

You can also belong as an Individual Member for $100.00 a year. Keep in mind that the individual membership belongs to the individual, and only the individual member gets the discount to AgSafe sponsored events. Also if the individual member leaves the company the membership goes with the individual.

Some individuals and companies that have dual memberships. In this situation, the individual member wants the recognition and Certificate of Membership of belonging to a professional association; the company benefits from the recognition of being a sponsoring member and the cost savings of sending multiple employees to our events.

How do I join? It’s easy. You can sign-up on-line, or download the membership form and mail it to AgSafe . Go to the section, Membership. But don’t put it off! Do it right now! Be a member of this important professional development association and share in our commitment to the reduction of job related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in California agriculture.