Developing a policy that would permit California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) to obtain Cal OSHA certification to complete field inspections

Abstract: During my year and a half internship with CRLA (California Rural Legal Assistance) I worked on a policy project that would certify CRLA employees to complete field inspections. The health and safety issues that affect the farmworkers also affect the overall health of the immediate environment as well as the entire planet. The issues dealt with in this project look at human-to-human interactions as well as human to environment interactions. The goal of this project was to have Cal OSHA (California Occupational Safety and Health Administration) adopt the policy and work with CRLA to conduct field inspections and fine companies that violate the regulations. Specifically, the policy would allow for increased inspections, which increases the safety of farmworkers. After extensive research about Cal OSHA\u27s current policies, I approached Cal OSHA with the finished policy. Cal OSHA explained during our meeting that it is currently impossible to create a partnership that has such defined roles. They also explained that that they could not agree to any other program that required such intense collaboration. After the policy was denied, I continued working with CRLA and Cal OSHA to discuss the current relationship and how to strengthen the working connections. The next step is for CRLA to legislate for the right to complete field inspections. I have outlined the process that can be taken to reach the final goal