California DIR Prohibits Farm Labor Contractor From Operating
The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) issued an
administrative order prohibiting Merced Farm Labor Contractor from
operating in the fields, citing the company’s failure to comply with
heat illness regulations as a threat to worker safety.
“With temperatures rising we are taking this unusual step as a way
to ensure that workers employed by this company are not put at risk,’’
said DIR Director John Duncan. “This order will be in force until the
company is in full compliance with California heat illness prevention
regulations.”
Atwater-based Merced Farm Labor was the employer of Maria Isabel
Vasquez Jimenez, a 17-year-old farmworker who died last month of
suspected heat-related causes after working nine hours in high heat in
a vineyard without water or shade. Under California law, outdoor
employers are required to train supervisors and employees about the
symptoms of heat illness, have an emergency medical assistance plan and
provide shade and water to workers.
On June 4, the DIR’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE)
moved to revoke Merced Farm Labor’s license for failing to disclose
that it was cited for similar Cal/OSHA violations in 2006, and for
failing to follow heat illness regulations as required under its
license.
In the course of the ongoing investigation of the Jimenez case,
investigators have uncovered evidence that leads them to suspect that
the company may be continuing to hire and place workers in unsafe and
unhealthful working conditions, and as a result issued the Order to
Prohibit Use as a precaution.
The DLSE adjudicates wage claims, investigates discrimination and
public works complaints, and enforces state labor law and Industrial
Welfare Commission wage orders. Cal/OSH protects workers and the public
from safety hazards through its Cal/OSHA, elevator, amusement ride,
aerial tramway, ski lift and pressure vessel programs.