Rutgers agriculture schools and extensions throughout the state provide vital research and education that greatly benefit the Garden State. The number of Rutgers farm workers across the state also need training to perform their jobs safely and ensure their credentials are up to date. IP&O employees in Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety (REHS) group recently led an annual training event on February 5.

The Rutgers EcoComplex in Fieldsboro, NJ, serves as the venue for the annual Farm Worker Supervisor Training hosted by REHS, in partnership with the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences/New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (SEBS/NJAES).
 
With Rutgers’ farms located all across New Jersey, the EcoComplex provides an accessible gathering point where workers can meet annual training obligations without extensive travel. Many participants are licensed pesticide applicators who require continuing education credits to maintain certification.

Held each February, the event gives farm employees and supervisors from across the state a centralized opportunity to complete required safety training, certifications, and obtain health screenings.
Training sessions began in the main auditorium, where Dr. Mark Robson of NJAES welcomed attendees and shared updates on pesticide use policy and worker protection standards.
REHS staff led sessions covering pesticide regulations, respiratory protection, hazardous and universal waste management, spill prevention and response, and hazard communication requirements.

Health Safety Specialists Ian Pracher, Christine D’Angelo, and Michael Wun, along with Brian Eggert, Senior Biosafety Officer, addressed farm-specific safety concerns, personal protective equipment, asbestos awareness, and biosafety considerations related to plant research operations.

During Hazard Communication sessions, presenters emphasized that safety programs ensure workers have access to information needed to protect themselves. As D’Angelo explained, “The program was designed to ensure that workers get the information they need so they can protect themselves while doing their work.”

Training also reinforced responsibilities such as proper chemical labeling, maintaining Safety Data Sheets, and keeping accurate chemical inventories. Pracher reminded attendees that safe handling begins with proper storage and labeling: “Containers must be tightly sealed so if they’re knocked over, contents don’t spill. As soon as material goes into a container, it needs a proper label and date, and waste should be properly scheduled for disposal.”

In addition to classroom instruction, participants completed respirator fit testing and annual hearing tests. A mobile audiometric unit from Industrial Hearing enabled members of Rutgers’ Hearing Conservation Program to complete screenings on site.

By bringing training, testing, and certifications together in one day, the event helps Rutgers’ agricultural workforce remain compliant. Participants departed the event equipped with updated credentials and health clearances needed for the coming year.

This article can be found in the IP&O Insights Newsletter March Issue.