Proper accommodation of strawberry pickers is more important than ever

The strawberry season is in full swing across much of the country. In order to prevent Coronavirus infection, proper accommodation of seasonal workers is more important than ever.

The Labour Inspectorate encouraged the rules on infection prevention in general to be made clearer to be clearer than usual, especially those in common areas such as bathrooms, toilets and kitchens. Moreover, the rules should be in a language that employees understand.

The Inspectorate further advised the employer to set clear rules on infection control in consultation with the employees.

“It is more important than ever that the accommodation offered to foreign seasonal workers is sound, and that producers of berries and vegetables take the necessary measures to prevent contamination,” said Trude Vollheim, director of the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority, in a press release.

The main rule for accommodation is a single room. There are exceptions for agriculture, where there can be up to four people in the same bedroom. The assumption is that there is seasonal work and that the accommodation has a maximum duration of ten weeks.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today