October 23, 2024 | Dixon, CA — MedLegalNews.com — Cal/OSHA has cited Ruiz Farm Labor in Dixon for failing to protect its employees from heat illness, imposing a penalty of $17,550 for three serious heat illness violations of California’s heat illness prevention standard.
The investigation began in June after reports surfaced that the farm labor contractor allegedly fired a group of workers, known as the Yolo Six, for leaving their shifts early during a heat wave due to inadequate safety measures. Cal/OSHA initiated an inspection on June 13 in response to these claims.
The inspection revealed multiple lapses in workplace safety protocols, including insufficient training for employees on recognizing and preventing heat-related illnesses, and the absence of clear emergency response procedures during extreme temperatures.
Cal/OSHA investigators also noted that the employer failed to properly acclimate new workers to outdoor conditions, a critical step in preventing heat-related injuries. These deficiencies collectively constituted a serious heat illness violation, putting workers at significant risk during the peak of the summer heat wave.
Cal/OSHA’s investigation found that the employer did not:
- Implement high heat or emergency response procedures.
- Provide effective heat illness prevention training for both supervisors and non-supervisory employees.
- Adhere to its heat illness prevention plan regarding the acclimatization of employees during their first 14 days of working in direct sunlight and temperatures exceeding 95 degrees.
Additionally, the Labor Commissioner’s Office is looking into the alleged retaliatory actions, while the Agricultural Labor Relations Board is investigating claims of unfair labor practices filed by agricultural workers against Cooley Enterprises, Inc., the company that hired Ruiz Farm Labor Contractor.
Cal/OSHA’s findings highlighted that these lapses went beyond simple oversights, representing a systematic failure to protect workers from extreme heat exposure. Employees were left without proper guidance on recognizing early signs of heat stress, and supervisors lacked the necessary training to enforce preventive measures effectively.
The absence of clear protocols for hydration, rest breaks, and shaded recovery areas further exacerbated the risk. These combined failures formed the basis of a serious heat illness violation, underscoring the legal and safety obligations employers have under California law to prevent heat-related injuries in the agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, the ongoing investigations by the Labor Commissioner’s Office and the Agricultural Labor Relations Board could result in additional enforcement actions if retaliatory or unfair labor practices are confirmed.
For official details on heat illness standards and penalties, visit Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention.
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FAQs: Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Violation
What constitutes a Cal/OSHA heat illness violation?
A Cal/OSHA heat illness violation occurs when employers fail to provide adequate training, emergency procedures, or acclimatization for employees working in extreme heat.
How much was Ruiz Farm Labor fined for the heat illness violations?
Cal/OSHA issued a penalty of $17,550 for three serious heat illness violations at Ruiz Farm Labor in Dixon, California.
Can employees report a Cal/OSHA heat illness violation?
Yes. Employees or witnesses can contact Cal/OSHA to report unsafe working conditions or suspected heat illness violations.
What additional investigations are ongoing related to Ruiz Farm Labor?
The Labor Commissioner’s Office is reviewing alleged retaliatory actions, while the Agricultural Labor Relations Board is investigating claims of unfair labor practices filed by agricultural workers against the hiring company.
What is OSHA’s 3 most cited violation?
Among Cal/OSHA’s frequently cited violations are inadequate hazard communication, lack of fall protection, and insufficient heat illness prevention procedures, which Ruiz Farm Labor was found in violation of.
What is the hottest temperature you can legally work in?
California law does not set a maximum temperature for work, but employers must follow heat illness prevention standards when temperatures exceed 95°F, including providing rest, water, and shade to reduce the risk of heat-related injuries.