Shady California Growers Tell Workers "No Shade for You!"

With the east coast experiencing a miserable heat wave that has swept the country, no one here in Washington, DC is envious of workers who have to spend their days outside toiling in 100 degree temperatures. Out in California, the state adopted permanent heat stress regulations last week to lessen the threat of heat-problems experienced by outdoor laborers. Mainly, the regulations require employers to help prevent heat stress and illness by providing one quart of water per hour per worker, as well as a shady spot where any worker can go if she starts to feel the affects of a heat-related illness or heat stress. Also, employers have to make written heat stress guides available to employees. The state attributes lower death rates among construction and agricultural workers during this most recent heat wave to the newly permanent regulations, which are not found in other states or federal law. Some employers have gone beyond the regulations, adjusting work schedules to keep workers out of the heat at the hottest times of the day.

However, not all employers are so anxious to comply with the new regulations. According to the United Farm Workers, some farmers in California are trying to find a way out of meeting the shade requirements. The California Farm Bureau says that supplying shade in large fields with many workers is difficult, and is an excuse for exposing workers to the dangers that come with extreme high temperatures. One of those dangers includes death. While this heat wave has not been as deadly as ones in years past, six workers have died as a result of the heat. Some growers may find it inconvenient to help prevent illness and death from the heat, but how inconvenient will it be if their workers are too sick to work or die?

For more information, see the United Farm Workers website and check-out this article.