COVID-19 safety for farmers and seasonal agricultural workers

All employers of seasonal agricultural workers who come from abroad are required to self-isolate these workers for a period of 14 days before they start work. You are required to submit isolation plans and obtain the Health Unit’s approval for requested workers. The information below provides steps and resources to obtain approval and make sure that all safety precautions are followed for seasonal workers and their housing arrangements.

• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Isolation Plan Requirements
• Quick reference table for seasonal agricultural workers isolation guidelines
• Self-isolation Plan Checklist

• 2021 Isolation Plan Application for Seasonal Agriculture Workers
  • Complete this form for each isolation residence to obtain Health Unit approval for seasonal agriculture workers.
• Appendix A to 2021 Isolation Plan: Additional Arrivals of Migrant Farm Workers
  • Complete the appendix when there are subsequent waves of worker arrivals for pre-approved isolation residences.
• Seasonal Agriculture Worker Arrival and Incoming Transfer Information
  • Within 24 hours of workers arriving to your farm, submit this form (for both new arrivals and transfer workers).
• COVID-19 Seasonal Agriculture Worker Wellness Check
  • Conduct daily health monitoring of all workers in isolation. Submit this form on Day 7 and Day 14 of the isolation period.

• COVID-19 Environmental cleaning, disinfecting and ventilation for migrant workers
• Post proper visitor signage at entrances to bunkhouses to other shared living accommodations.
• Read frequently asked questions.
• Prepare a daily cleaning and inspection schedule. Use of a cleaning log sheet is recommended:
  • Daily Cleaning Log
  • Daily Cleaning Log – Spanish  (Hoja De Registro de Limpieza Y Desinfeccion Ambiental)
• Print a worker resource package for each worker:
  • How to wash your hands/ How to use sanitizer
  • How to wash your hands/How to use sanitizer – Spanish (Higiene de las manos)
  • COVID-19 Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette for Migrant Workers
  • Self-Isolation for Seasonal Workers
  • Self-Isolation for Seasonal Workers – Spanish (Autoaislamiento los trabajadores extranjeros temporales) 
  • COVID-19 Self Monitor
  • COVID-19 Environmental Cleaning, disinfecting and ventilation for migrant workers

In light of recent outbreaks on farms in Ontario, the HNHU would like to offer some additional recommendations to help prevent transmission of COVID-19 amongst seasonal farm workers after they complete their 14 day isolation.

Infection Control Recommendations for Seasonal Farm Worker Housing Post-…

• Information on compliance inspections undertaken by Service Canada
• Guidance for Employers of Temporary Foreign Workers (April 22, 2020, Employment and Social Development Canada)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Outbreak Update

The HNHU is committed to working with local farmers to protect the health and safety of seasonal agricultural workers and the community.

All locations will be subjected to random checks and audits by the Health Unit and By-Law Enforcement Officers. Legal action can be taken against employers of seasonal farm workers for non-compliance issues, as per Section 22 Order, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA)  R.S.O. 1990, c.H.7   Additionally, given seasonal farm workers from abroad are subject to the Quarantine Act, federal regulators may also require inspection and take legal action where required. 

As with all employers, the Occupational Health and Safety Act applies on farms where seasonal agriculture workers are employed.  While the HNHU is not responsible for oversight of workplace practices beyond seasonal agricultural worker housing, we strongly recommend employers stay up to date and implement provincial guidelines as well as any other applicable regulatory requirements.  For further guidance, please consult the Ministry of Labour.

For more information on COVID-19 such as symptoms, transmission, and personal protection measures click here.