Although much of farming is now mechanized, several jobs, from planting strawberries to stringing hops, require old-fashioned manual labor, putting workers in direct contact with whatever is sprayed on the crops and ground. The number of farmworkers fluctuates seasonally. State officials estimate that during the height of the growing season, in June, there are 82,000 agricultural jobs in Oregon. The laws protecting workers from chemical exposure are strict. The state Occupational Safety and Health Administration, responsible for worker safety regulations, requires that growers have someone on-site who can communicate with workers and answer any questions that might arise about the safe handling and spraying of chemicals.
Growers are also responsible for ensuring a safe work environment.
Bicchieri's group, better known as PCUN, has been the most vocal advocate for greater compliance. PCUN staff and workers interviewed by WW say violations occur routinely. Despite this, workers rarely file formal complaints. This year, for example, OSHA has received only five agriculture complaints in the central region, which encompasses a large growing area, including Woodburn. The state Department of Agriculture, which regulates the use of pesticides and herbicides, has received about 30 complaints concerning pesticide misuse this year.