In a recent action by the California Office of Administrative law, a general ban on hand weeding in agriculture has been passed effective October 7, 2004. The emergency ban expires on February 5, 2005. Prior to that time it is expected that a permanent ban will be adopted by the Cal/OSHA Standards Board.

Following an earlier prohibition of the short handled hoe in 1975, the new standard (Section 3456 of the General Industry Safety Orders) prohibits hand weeding, thinning or "hot capping" in agricultural operations "unless there is no readily available or reasonable alternative means of performing the work that is suitable and appropriate to the production of the agricultural commodity".

Hand weeding is most common on certain crops such as strawberries, lettuce, carrots and celery and is more prevalent in coastal areas of the state. In addition to worker advocacy groups, some grower organizations supported the ban as a reasonable approach to the problem.

Additional exemptions are allowed for organic farming operations where no pesticides are used. To view the regulation in its entirety, click here. You may also contact the Cal-OSHA Consultation Service office near you or your Zenith Safety & Health consultant if you have additional questions.