Trimmers: Be Safe!
Welcome! If you’ve come here to work, please consider a few points for staying
safe. While most growers will treat you well, others may not. Most growers only
hire people they know. Those who hire strangers may be looking for people they can
rip off-- or worse. Abuse, exploitation, and sexual assault of trimmers does happen.
Never forget how remote much of Humboldt is. There is no transportation, and
limited or no cell reception in the hills. Make sure a family member or friend knows
where you are. And make certain your employer knows people are waiting to hear
from you.
Questions to ask an employer before taking a job:
 How can you communicate? Is there cell reception? Is there a landline you can
use?
 How will you get there if you don’t have your own vehicle? Once there, is there a
regularly scheduled trip to a grocery store, laundromat, or other place where
there is a phone or cell service?
 How long will you be expected to stay? What’s the shelter? Are you in a
bunkhouse or do you need to have a tent and be ready to camp long term?
 What do you need to bring so you can get it before you leave town?
 What about meals? Are they provided or do you have to bring your own? Is there
a place to cook and keep food safely?
 How and when will you be paid? Agree upon the rate in advance and a schedule
of payment. One common scam is a promise to pay at the end of the season—
you may end up with nothing.
Please prepare and protect yourself:
 Do you have tools other than your scissors? Flashlight, first aid, rain gear, tarps?
Do you have warm layers for the coming fall weather?
 Use the buddy system. Don’t go anywhere alone, and don’t allow yourself to be
isolated when you’re at a work site. Two is good, more is great. Form a trimmer’s
union!
 Look out for red flags. Trust your intuition. If it feels creepy, don’t go.
 If you have to be blindfolded to get a ride there, say no.
 If only female employees are wanted or if you are asked to split up from male
friends, DON’T GO.
If something happens, remember you are not alone.
 WISH (Women in Crisis Southern Humboldt): 707-923-4100
 Youth Service Bureau: 24-hour crisis line, rides, housing, counseling, clothing and
food assistance. 707-444-2273
 North Coast Rape Crisis Team: 707-445-2881
 Humboldt Domestic Violence Services: Advocates who can help assess your
situation and find assistance. 707-443-6042.
 911 can connect you with the sheriff or the local VFD.
Have fun and do well. But please be careful of who you’re having fun with.