Occupational Health Watch: March 2020
New law mandates Valley fever training
A new California law, AB 203, requires construction employers who work in counties with high rates of Valley fever to train their employees on minimizing the risk of Valley fever by May 1, 2020.
People who work outdoors in California's Central Valley, Central Coast, and other locations, especially workers who dig or disturb soil, are at risk for Valley fever, an illness that can cause disability or even death.
Occupational Health Branch's new resource, VALLEY FEVER: Tailgate Training Guide for California Construction Workers (PDF), is an interactive, easy-to-use guide that supervisors, trainers, and health and safety staff can use to train employees. The guide covers the eight training topics required by the new law.
For 2020, the 11 counties where this training is required include: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Monterey, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura. Other counties may be added in the future depending on their rates of Valley fever illness as determined by the CDPH Infectious Diseases Branch.
Visit the OHB work-related Valley fever web page for updates on required training and other Valley fever resources.
Photo: Tailgate training on a construction worksite.
Resources
OHB work-related Valley fever web page
CDPH Infectious Diseases Branch Valley fever web page
Email OHW@cdph.ca.gov with feedback about this update or change of address.