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Migrant Labor
The IDPH administers 2 programs that affect agricultural workers, one dealing with field sanitation and the other with migrant labor camps.
The field sanitation program promotes the health and safety of agricultural workers by requiring that basic sanitary facilities be available to them. All farm operators who employ 10 or more agricultural workers must provide toilets, hand-washing facilities and safe drinking water within one-quarter mile of a work site. The IDPH staff inspects all licensed migrant labor camps to assure that they comply with the state's Field Sanitation Act; and respond to complaints involving other agricultural operations.
Under the migrant labor camp program, IDPH licenses camps that provide housing for 10 or more workers or 4 or more families. Facilities that provide housing for fewer individuals/families are required to comply with the standards but are not subject to licensing. IDPH staff visits each camp at least once before occupancy and once during the operating season to inspect the water supply system, sewage disposal system, food preparation facilities, general housing conditions, fire safety conditions, and vector control.