Cal/OSHA has fined a farm labor contractor for failing to protect employees from heat illness. In June inspectors launched an investigation into Ruiz Farm Labor in Dixon, after receiving complaints the company fired farmworkers who left work early during a heatwave.
Dubbed by United Farm Workers as the Yolo Six, the former employees drew accolades in the Capitol. In August, Sen. Dave Cortese of Silicon Valley took time out of a floor session to honor the Yolo Six, holding them up as a reason for passing his SB 1299. That bill would have made it easier for farmworkers to claim workers’ comp for heat-related injuries but failed to gather the governor’s support.
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Cal/OSHA determined Ruiz Farm Labor did not implement high heat procedures, provide prevention training or properly acclimate its employees. Announcing the penalties, Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee said workers should be treated with dignity and respect and “no one should face retaliation for protecting their health.”
The labor commissioner’s office is investigating the complaints of retaliation, while the ag labor board looks into unfair labor practice claims against the company that hired the contractor. Ruiz Farm Labor has appealed the Cal/OSHA citations.
