California reduces safety inspections as farmworkers face worsening heat

California has reduced enforcement of outdoor heat protection laws even as farmworkers endure increasingly extreme temperatures, with inspections by Cal/OSHA dropping nearly 30% since 2017.

Robert J. Lopez reports for Capital & Main.

In short:

From 2017 to 2023, Cal/OSHA inspections for outdoor heat safety decreased by almost 30%, with violations issued to employers falling by over 40%.
Farmworkers report frequent violations of safety laws, including lack of shade and water, amid ongoing agency staffing shortages.
California lawmakers are considering legislation to strengthen enforcement and ensure compensation for heat-related injuries.

Key quote:

“We just need Cal/OSHA to be out there more often and do more inspections that hopefully will save farmworker lives.”

— Ephraim Camacho, community worker for California Rural Legal Assistance

Why this matters:

As climate change drives temperatures higher, vulnerable outdoor workers face increased health risks, and weakened enforcement of heat protection laws puts their lives in greater danger.

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