GAPC Certification Tips
Certification Audits will begin on Wednesday in certain areas.  Please don't forget to complete your self-assessment prior to your audit!  Review the audit checklist and Certification Standards. Don't forget to have documentation to show worker training, workern concern process(s), emergency plan(s), and anti-discrimination plan (described in this email). If you have questions call GAPC at 865-622-4606.
Our weekly email containing tips, advice and reminders that will help you achieve GAPC Certification in 2018. 
This week: Housing and Transportation and Anti-discrimination Plans
1. Housing and Transportation:  What do I need to have for the audit?
Housing
If the grower provides housing directly to workers, the grower must:
  • Ensure that the facility complies with all federal and state safety and health standards, including up-to-date certification from DOL (US-based) or other appropriate governmental agencies. (The auditor will request to see the housing inspection.)
  • Inspect housing prior to occupancy and at mid-season, using the OSHA Housing Safety and Health Checklist provided in Agricultural Labor Management Guide.
  • Post or present to each worker, in their native language a statement of the terms and conditions of occupancy.  (The auditor will request to see the terms and conditions.)
If the grower uses a Farm Labor Contractor (FLC) and the FLC houses workers: (1) the FLC must be authorized to house the workers (auditor will check FLC registration) and (2) grower must still have a copy of housing inspections for all housing utilized.
Transportation
If transportation is provided, growers must ensure that vehicles meet legally required safety standards and that drivers are properly insured and licensed.  Vehicles must be inspected when required by law, and person supplying the transportation must maintain inspection records.  
  • Are drivers properly insured and licensed? (Auditor will ask to see insurance and licenses when applicable.)
  • Is the transport vehicle inspected to ensure it is safe? Do you have inspection records for the transport vehicle? (Auditor will ask to see inspection records.  If there are no inspections required by law in grower's state, grower can show their own records that demonstrate they check the vehicle for safety hazards.)
2. Anti-discrimination Policy: What do I need? 
The question will be, "Do you have a documented anti-discrimination policy?"  This is a "high additional" standard.
Auditors will be looking for a written policy to verify the answer to this question.   
Use our template provided in the record packet at all GAP meetings or found here.  Simply fill in the blanks and keep with your GAP records.  The template is in English and Spanish so it can be easily shared with the workforce.
 
In future emails...  
  • Appeals Process
  • Audit Results
  • Emergency and Disaster Planning
We will also be answering these questions and posting them online for easy access at: 
http://www.gapconnections.com/growers/faq-certification

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