Division of Environmental Health

Migrant Labor Camps and Field Sanitation

The Division administers two 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. Division staff inspect 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, the Division licenses camps that provide housing for 10 or more workers or four or more families. Facilities that provide housing for fewer individuals/families are required to comply with the standards but are not subject to licensing. There are approximately 50 licensed camps in Illinois. Division staff visit 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.

Migrant Labor Camps

Illinois Migrant Labor Camp Law (210 ILCS 110)
Migrant Labor Camp Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 935)
List of Licensed Migrant Labor Camps

Forms
Migrant Labor Camp Original/Renewal License Application - PDF

Field Sanitation

Field Sanitation Act (210 ILCS 105)
Field Sanitation Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 910)




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Environmental Health Home

Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois 62761
Phone 217-782-4977
Fax 217-782-3987
TTY 800-547-0466
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