Gallo and Farm Labor Contractors First in Agriculture Industry to Receive Cal/OSHA Golden Gate Partnership Award.

HEALDSBURG, Calif. -- The Department of Industrial Relations' Cal/OSHA program today presented the Golden Gate Partnership Award to the Gallo Family Vineyards and their Farm Labor Contractors (FLC) for their commitment to workplace safety. This represents a milestone for the agricultural industry in California and demonstrates a noticeable move in the establishment of a higher commitment to employee safety in the fields.

"Cal/OSHA is proud to recognize its partnerships with growers and farm labor contractors to ensure the safety and health of California's field workers," said Department of Industrial Relations Director John C. Duncan. "This new partnership is an innovative approach to improving occupational safety and health in the agricultural industry and represents an ongoing shift in the attitude towards an improved safety culture in the fields."

The Farm Labor contractors to be honored are: Alondra Gonzalez Lara Farm Corp.; Hilario Rodriguez FLC; Sergio Alba Velazquez FLC; Servin Lopez Vineyard Management Inc; and, Viramontes Vineyard Management Co.

"Cal/OSHA strongly believes that working directly with employers who have a positive attitude toward safety and encouraging them to take the necessary steps to improve their safety culture is critical for business success," said Cal/OSHA Chief Len Welsh. "This recognition program has immense value to employers - it effectively reduces workers' comp costs and increases both employee morale and productivity. It's a total win-win for employers and workers."

As the first established OSHA Consultation Unit in the nation, Cal/OSHA again leads the way in changing the safety culture of California agricultural businesses and reducing the hazards that create unsafe work environments in the fields. The recognition program relies on industry, labor and government to work as partners in creating a shift in workplace culture that will increase safety and health on the job while effectively preventing and controlling injuries and illnesses. Through Cal/OSHA's free consultation services, employers can receive assistance in improving their workplace safety.

Benefits to employers include a reduction in injuries and illnesses, lower workers' compensation costs, improved employee motivation, higher quality and productivity and recognition as a community leader. Employees benefit by knowing that they are part of the solution to creating a safe work environment and securing their wellbeing on the job.

Golden Gate Partnership Recognition program, an entry level program, is site specific and acknowledges employers who have shown a commitment to workplace safety by establishing an effective injury and illness prevention program. For more information on this and other recognition programs visit our web site at www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh1.html. Employers can contact the Cal/OSHA Consultation office at 800-963-9424.