More demanded from state to stop heat-related deaths

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090618/NEWS01/90618028/1263/update/More+demanded+from+state+to+stop+heat-related+deaths

Nicole C. Brambila • The Desert Sun • June 18, 2009

The United Farm Workers of America and ACLU attorneys today called the standards proposed by California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board for heat-related illness for outdoor workers “totally inadequate.”

“We’re glad that the state has finally acknowledged the urgent need to act. But today's announcement is just a baby step that won't increase worker protection,” Catherine Lhamon, assistant legal director for the ACLU of Southern California, said in a news release.

“Cal/OSHA must cut out the exceptions and loopholes now, and focus on investigating employer compliance, imposing fines and other sanctions where appropriate, collecting fines that have been levied, and creating a role for workers in seeing that regulations are enforced.”

The UFW and field laborers held a press conference this morning in Los Angeles and Sacramento.

Cal-OSHA kicked off its heat awareness campaign in March.

The temperature trigger for employers is 85 degrees, when they must provide shade for at least a quarter of the employees working outside.

California had six heat-related fatalities in 2008.

Cal-OSHA introduced state regulations regarding heat-related illness in 2005.
The United Farm Workers asked legislators to press Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to enforce existing laws and seek criminal penalties for employers where negligence causes the heat-related deaths of employees.

FULL story at link.

[imdjh]

1. 85ºF isn't bad for me. 95ºF is when it gets difficult.

But I'm also able to take breaks when I choose, unless I want to get my work done, of course.

I don't know how they do the shade for 25% of the workers thing, but I don't see why they couldn't have those rolling tents ( like cemeteries use) when the pickers are in the field. For that matter, if they start work early enough, then I would think they would be finished by 2PM. But what do I know?