Summer Heatwave Brings Increasing Concern for West Coast Farmworkers

Source: USDA Flickr Gallery

While the weather has been changing significantly throughout California, this summer calls for beach trips and pool parties for many families. Though it may seem like a fortunate time for some, we can’t forget about those who are on the frontlines of providing us the food we need on our tables. How are farmworkers getting through this heatwave? With temperatures reaching up to 110 degrees in California’s Central Valley and 120 degrees in southern areas, according to Yahoo News, this is causing much concern for the safety of our farmworkers.

According to the United States Farmworker Fact Sheet, it is estimated that the average life expectancy for a farmworker is roughly around 49-years-old in the United States. This can be caused from many incidences - whether it is influenza, pneumonia, or pesticide-related illness, however, it is important to mention that under these causes also mentions heat stress. 

Sebastian Francisco Perez, a 38-year-old Guatemalan immigrant in Marion County, was someone who worked hard every day, risking his life in the Oregon heat to make a living. Unfortunately, while working on the job on June 26, he became one of the 174,000 migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Oregon to pass away while working under dangerous conditions. Oregon lawmakers failed many farmworkers in this case, as legislation did not put regulations in place during this unfortunate time, according to The Oregonian. 

Perez’s death could have very well been prevented, as many like himself should not have to die in their place of work. There are many other farmworkers out there that are continuing to suffer in this heat, and if regulations are not put in place now, this will continue to cause emotional and financial damage for families around Oregon. PCUN, Oregon’s Farmworker Union, created a GoFundMe page to support Perez’s family in Guatemala, where funds will be directly sent to them to help with their expenses. 

GoFundMe Page in support of Sebastian Francisco Perez’s Family 

In California, it is deemed to be the leading state in the nation with agricultural products sold, as well as in labor-intensive commodities, according to UCSUSA.org. As being rated the top state in agriculture and labor-intensive work, this is a cause for concern for many of the outdoor workers. With the heatwave continuing this summer, many employers and employees are suggested to follow the heat index created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Heat Index created by OSHA 

Stated in La Cooperativa, “OSHA enforces rules about breaks…as the temperatures gets hotter outside, employees have the right to a 15-minute resting break in the shade each hour to keep their bodies cool and safe from heat illnesses. It is important to make sure that employers are providing SHADE for their employees’ breaks.” 

On top of that, OSHA mentions that farmers also have the right to safe housing and access to drinking water. The guidelines Occupational Safety and Health Administration has created will allow employers and employees to determine the risk of heat-related illnesses and actions needed to be executed for all outdoor workers. However, it is significant to note that many employers fail to offer these remedies to their employees. The critical importance of these risks must be made aware to many of these farmworkers, yet, with no training provided, this leaves them facing these conditions without the given information. If an employer is not providing the rights above, complaints can be made to OSHA. 

These exhaustive temperatures seen throughout California and Oregon all come down to climate change. As we have gone more in detail in our Journal on Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, the use of pesticides and the heat effects are causing a threat. Stated by UCSUSA.org, “Climate change is likely to increase pesticide use due to expanding ranges and impacts of pests and pathogens, increasing vigor of weeds compared with crops, and decreasing efficacy of pesticides under increasing temperatures.” This immense upsurge of pesticide exposure will cause farmworkers to be more vulnerable to them, where researchers have shown that heat stress increases the body’s sensitivity to pesticides and other toxicants. 

Climate change has made matters worse for our frontliners, where many are being forced to adapt to this “new normal.” Our seasonal and migrant farmworkers must be protected, as they are continuously risking their lives every day to provide for not only their own families, but many others around the country. 

Markus Spiske from Pexels

At Farm2People, as we have concluded our Summer Fundraiser, we are excited to begin our journey in supporting our local farmers all around Los Angeles.