{"id":17802,"date":"2017-12-22T11:04:15","date_gmt":"2017-12-22T16:04:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/?page_id=17802"},"modified":"2024-05-22T10:00:07","modified_gmt":"2024-05-22T14:00:07","slug":"1060e","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/1060e\/","title":{"rendered":"Bulletin #1060, Orienting New Farm Employees in Maine: A Checklist for Maine Agricultural Employers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Developed by Jason Lilley, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Sustainable Agriculture Professional, and Leslie Forstadt, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Associate Professor, Child and Family Development Specialist.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Reviewed by Tori Jackson, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Educator, and Gary Anderson, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Animal and BioScience Specialist.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/\">extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<\/strong><br><strong>Find more of our publications and books at <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/\">extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image17802_ec6799-8d.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image17802_ec6799-8d .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:370px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image17802_ec6799-8d.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image17802_ec6799-8d .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image17802_ec6799-8d figure{max-width:370px;}.kb-image17802_ec6799-8d .image-is-svg, .kb-image17802_ec6799-8d .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image17802_ec6799-8d .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image17802_ec6799-8d\"><figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-4.jpg\" alt=\"two farm workers using a portable milking machine\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-17820\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-4.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-4-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-4-105x70.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-4-317x211.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-4-423x282.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-4-634x422.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-4-846x563.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-4-951x633.jpg 951w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,1000px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Finding and keeping good employees is a common concern among many Maine farm owners. Effective training, relationship development, and communication strategies are all important components of getting off on the right foot with new employees and fostering their interest in staying for multiple seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This checklist is designed to assist farmers in orienting one or more employees once they\u2019ve been hired. It covers a variety of topics including developing an employee handbook, meeting state and federal requirements, mandatory and recommended training, ongoing training and communication, and who to contact in Maine with questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This checklist is meant to provide you with guidelines in a variety of areas. The checklist is not legal advice, and the accuracy of the document is subject to updates in federal and state laws. Please note the publication date at the bottom of the document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On and Off-Farm Communication Skills<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Understand your communication style before hiring new employees. This will help you develop your staffing plan and policies, and is an important consideration when planning meetings with your employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are you stronger with written or verbal communication?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How often do you prefer to meet?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is your farm management structure?\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who oversees and can answer questions about what?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the decision-making process?\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How can you foster employee motivation and investment in the business?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When is there autonomy for making decisions?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Employee Policies and Handbook<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>An early step in effective and clear communication is to create an employee handbook. Employee handbooks ensure that information is provided up front, and employees are not taken by surprise with unknown expectations down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A basic list of topics for a handbook includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Introduction and Welcome<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Terms of Employment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decision Making\/ Farm Management Structure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compensation and Benefits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave Policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human Rights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Workplace Health and Safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internal Policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disciplinary Policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Job Descriptions and Expectations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Probation Periods and Promotion Process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The University of Minnesota Extension Employee Handbook Development Guide (PDF) offers other topics that you may want to include in your handbook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more details on developing your employee handbook, see the <a href=\"http:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/assets\/gov\/farming-natural-resources-and-industry\/agriculture-and-seafood\/farm-management\/farm-business-management\/agemployeehandbooknov28_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Guide to Developing a B.C. Agriculture Employee Handbook (PDF)<\/a> from the British Columbian Ministry of Agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Federal and State Tax Forms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When hiring new employees to be sure that you are up to speed with the tax and regulatory requirements. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www1.maine.gov\/cgi-bin\/online\/businessanswers\/index.pl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">State of Maine Business Answers<\/a> resource is set up to help businesses navigate these issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All businesses who hire workers must obtain and complete the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Complete and file IRS Form SS-4, EIN. Available on the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.irs.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRS website<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Register for Maine State Income Tax Withholding and Unemployment Insurance. See the State of Maine IRS and Department of Labor&#8217;s registration application booklet (PDF) or register on the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/maine.gov\/revenue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Maine Revenue Services website<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you paid gross wages of $20,000 or more in a calendar quarter or employed ten or more persons in one day in twenty different weeks in a calendar year, you must also file Unemployment Compensation Tax.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If hiring foreign workers, be sure to follow the guidelines for <a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/labor\/labor_laws\/hiring_foreign_workers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hiring Foreign Workers<\/a>&nbsp;(State of Maine Department of Labor) and to file the appropriate paperwork needed for the H2A program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All new employees must complete (and keep a record on file):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Employee&#8217;s Withholding Certificate W-4 obtained from the IRS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This form can be downloaded from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website<\/a> or call 800.870.3676.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Worker\u2019s Compensation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You may or may not need to carry a Worker\u2019s Compensation policy. It will depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The amount of liability insurance you carry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The number of non-family employees on the farm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Maine Workers\u2019 Compensation Act Title 39-A M.R.S.A has the specifics to consider. See <a href=\"https:\/\/legislature.maine.gov\/statutes\/39-A\/title39-A.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Maine Revised Statutes Title 39-A: Workers&#8217; Compensation, Section 401. Liability of Employer (PDF)<\/a>, page 106, for info on farm employers worker compensation responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To discuss your farm\u2019s situation regarding Worker\u2019s Compensation, contact the <a href=\"https:\/\/www1.maine.gov\/wcb\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">State of Maine Workers Compensation Board of Maine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Categories of Employment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Maine-specific laws and requirements vary depending on the type of work that your employees are performing. The types may include farmhand or retail worker, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Farmhand (fieldwork, packing, machinery operation, farm mechanic)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Has no overtime or minimum wage requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No minimum age requirement, unless working with equipment, livestock, agrichemicals, or at heights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retail (someone whose job includes sales of products not produced on the farm or of value-added products (i.e. maple syrup, apple pie, bone broth, etc.)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are eligible for overtime and must meet minimum wage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When contacting state agencies for clarification on labor laws for your farm, be sure to mention that your call is regarding <strong>agricultural <\/strong>workplace questions and specify the type of worker that you are calling about. Many state and federal agricultural employment regulations are significantly different than other types of employment. More information regarding the non-agricultural overtime pay laws in Maine can be found the <a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.maine.gov\/statutes\/26\/title26sec664.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Maine Legislature&#8217;s Revised Statutes website, Title 26: Labor and Industry, Chapter 7: Employment Practices, Subchapter 3: Minimum Wages<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Posters to Be Displayed in a Central Location<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Worker protection standards information must be posted in a central location on the farm. Access and print the <a href=\"http:\/\/pestmanagement.rutgers.edu\/wps-protect-yourself-from-pesticides-poster-now-available\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">WPS \u201cProtect Yourself from Pesticides\u201d poster<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dhhs\/mecdc\/environmental-health\/el\/site-files\/handouts\/handwash.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Handwashing posters (PDF)<\/a> should also be located around the bathrooms and areas where food products will be handled.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If employing H2A foreign workers you must display this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/whd\/posters\/pdf\/WHD1491Eng_H2A.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Employee&#8217;s Rights Under the H2A Program (PDF)<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Best Management Practices in Agriculture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Orientation Timeline<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-6-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Extension expert looks on as dairy farmer feeds young calf\" class=\"wp-image-17818\" style=\"width:370px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-6-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-6-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-6-105x70.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-6-317x210.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-6-423x281.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-6-634x421.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-6-846x562.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-6-951x631.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-6.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Upon Hiring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Give the new employee your employee handbook and make sure that they read it prior to their first day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First Day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have the employee sign off on reviewing the employee handbook and give them the opportunity to ask related questions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tour the farm to highlight locations of key components of the farm (parking, restrooms, break areas, key workspaces, etc.) and safety equipment (fire extinguishers, emergency eyewash areas, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set up the employee with a mentor they can go to with specific questions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>End of the First Day and at Regular Intervals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check in with the employee to see how things are going and answer questions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Communication with Staff<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to use effective communication strategies in your written and in-person communication with employees to maintain positive relationships and convey mutual respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Develop good training methods and ongoing communication (hang up information in a central location; have regular meetings).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a culture of communication for the workplace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use \u201cI\u201d statements. (See some examples: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.therapistaid.com\/worksheets\/i-statements.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&#8220;I&#8221; Statements (PDF)<\/a>.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify your decision-making process (consensus, majority, etc.). When is there autonomy for making decisions, who is responsible?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meetings<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular meetings are a way to keep everyone informed and equally aware of what is happening. There are many models of how to conduct meetings. One or more types of meetings may happen regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Daily:<\/strong> the crew meets to go over the tasks and expectations for the day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weekly:&nbsp;<\/strong>the crew meets once a week to go over the week\u2019s schedule.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Management:<\/strong>&nbsp;the team managers meet regularly to review ongoing tasks and as well as time for big-picture thinking. The crew may be involved in periodic or ongoing big-picture thinking and\/or the management may inform the crew of outcomes from these meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Farm family:<\/strong> regardless of how many members of the farm are engaged in daily farming tasks, this important meeting keeps everyone on the same page and is a way to collect new ideas and encourage everyone\u2019s participation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Employee Training<\/strong><span style=\"color: #3698d4\"><strong><br><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Required Trainings<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Food Safety (Federally required) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Farms that are certified under the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification program, or that will be covered under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) must train employees on food safety practices. While this is mandatory training for GAP and FSMA covered farms, this type of training is a good idea for all farms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nysaes-bookstore.myshopify.com\/collections\/gaps\/products\/fruits-vegetables-and-food-safety-health-and-hygiene-on-the-farm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u201cFruits, Vegetables, and Food Safety: Health and Hygiene on the Farm\u201d Worker Training DVD<\/a> developed by Cornell University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/publications\/agrs-129\/view\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u201cFood Safety Field Training Kit for Fresh Produce Handlers\u201d<\/a> from Penn State. A flip chart for training workers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Produce Safety Alliance\u2019s list of required records (worker training, sterilizing surfaces, testing water, etc.) for FSMA. See the <a href=\"https:\/\/producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu\/resources\/general-resource-listing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">General Resource Listing page<\/a>, under the \u201cRecordkeeping&#8221; heading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Worker Protection Standards (Federally required)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"farmer driving a tractor and another farmer crossing the field\" class=\"wp-image-17823\" style=\"width:370px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-1-105x70.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-1-317x211.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-1-423x281.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-1-634x422.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-1-846x563.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-1-951x632.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2017\/12\/farmers-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Anyone working in agricultural fields where pesticides are applied must be trained under the Worker Protection Standards (WPS). Training must occur before entering the field (on the first day of work) and employees must be re-trained every year. The two types of workers under the WPS are \u201cworkers\u201d (people working in the field, but not applying or handling pesticides), and \u201chandlers\u201d (people applying pesticides and entering fields before the re-entry interval (REI) is up).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first 21:30 minutes of the EPA approved video&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/215241678\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Agricultural Worker and Handler Pesticide Safety Training (Vimeo)<\/a> meets the training requirements for \u201cworkers.\u201d Handlers must view the entire video to meet the training requirements. Be sure to have all trainees sign off on receiving the training. (A Spanish version is available at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=y_Pv4dV1G0o&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Seguridad Con Pesticidas Para Trabajadores Agricolas (YouTube)<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this checklist: <a href=\"http:\/\/pesticideresources.org\/wps\/hosted\/wps-ag-employer-checklists.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Worker Protection Standard (Wps) Requirements for Agricultural Employers of Workers (PDF)<\/a> to ensure that you are meeting all of the WPS training requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit the <a href=\"http:\/\/pesticideresources.org\/wps\/inventory.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PERC&#8217;s Training Resources for the Worker Protection Standard 2016 page<\/a> for more EPA approved training materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recommended Trainings<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Emergency Action Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All farms should have an emergency action plan (EAP). This document clearly explains what should be done in the case of specific types of accidents. This document helps farmers, farm workers, neighbors, and emergency response teams to appropriately react to emergencies in safe and efficient ways. After developing your EAP be sure to distribute and share that plan with your local emergency response teams and your employees. Key emergency contact information should be posted at a central location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Michigan State University offers a fillable <a href=\"http:\/\/www.maeap.org\/uploads\/files\/EMERGENCY_PLANNING_fillable_Form_E2575-ET_AA.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Emergency Farm Plan Electronic Template (PDF)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Resources for Ongoing Safety Training<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/agsafety.osu.edu\/programs\/cfaes-osha\/tailgate-safety-training-employees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tailgate Safety Training for Employees<\/a> from Ohio State University offers materials for various 20-minute trainings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu\/ePOS\/form=cat.html&amp;cat=96&amp;store=413\">Maine Farm Safety Program resources<\/a> from UMaine Cooperative Extension. This series of printed publications (English only) covers topics like Winter Driving, Harvesting Hay, Electrical Safety, and much more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gemplers.com\/search?type=product&amp;q=Safety+Training\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gempler&#8217;s<\/a> has a series of over 50 printed publications (English and Spanish) on topics ranging from pesticide safety to working safely with chainsaws.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When hiring new employees, your effort to create a team and ensure that they are up to speed with all of the farm policies will lead to better relationships. It will be easier to communicate if there are issues related to work performance. When the required legal documents, trainings, and signage are in place, a safer work environment will reduce problems and issues with regulators. Use this checklist for guidance and reach out to appropriate organizations when questions arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact your local <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/county-offices\/\">University of Maine Cooperative Extension County Office<\/a> for further resources on orienting new farm employees in Maine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Resources<\/strong><span style=\"color: #3698d4\"><strong><br><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/maine.gov\/revenue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Maine Revenue Services<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dacf\/ard\/farmlabor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Labor Questions (Agricultural Resource Development Division, Farm Labor Link Network)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www1.maine.gov\/cgi-bin\/online\/businessanswers\/index.pl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Maine Business Regulations Guidance (Business Answers)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www1.maine.gov\/wcb\/Departments\/crs\/regionaloffices.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">State of Maine Workers Compensation Board Regional Offices<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dacf\/php\/pesticides\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Board of Pesticides Control (WPS) (State of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/maine-farmer-resource-network\/find-resources-and-assistance\/planning-managing-your-farm-business\/\">Beginning Farmer Resource Network of Maine<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agriculture\/agricultural-mediation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Agricultural Mediation Services (University of Maine Cooperative Extension)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agriculture\/farm-safety\/\">Farm Safety Planning (Cooperative Extension: Agriculture)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/maine-farmer-resource-network\/2021-maine-farm-worker-compensation-survey\/\">2021 Maine Farm Worker Compensation Survey<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-17802_6246a6-47 .kt-block-spacer{height:60px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-17802_6246a6-47 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-17802_6246a6-47\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a9 2017, 2019, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Call 800.287.0274 (in Maine), or 207.581.3188, for information on publications and program offerings from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\">extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.edu\/title-ix\/\">www.maine.edu\/title-ix\/<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Developed by Jason Lilley, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Sustainable Agriculture Professional, and Leslie Forstadt, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Associate Professor, Child and Family Development Specialist. Reviewed by Tori Jackson, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Educator, and Gary Anderson, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Animal and BioScience Specialist. For information about UMaine Extension programs [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":51,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-17802","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bulletin #1060, Orienting New Farm Employees in Maine: A Checklist for Maine Agricultural Employers - Cooperative Extension Publications - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Orienting New Farm Employees in Maine, a Checklist for Maine Agricultural Employers: on and off-farm communication skills, employee policies and handbook, federal and state tax forms, worker&#039;s compensation, categories of employment, best management practices in agriculture, employee training\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/1060e\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Bulletin #1060, Orienting New Farm Employees in Maine: A Checklist for Maine Agricultural Employers - 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