California Outreach Program Visits 541 Agricultural Worksites
The summer pilot provided employers and workers with information on young worker protections, workplace safety and heat illness prevention across 22 counties.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Sep 18, 2026
The California Department of Industrial Relations said a new outreach program focused on young agricultural workers conducted more than 500 visits to worksites across the state this summer.
The Child Labor Compliance Assistance Team conducted 541 visits to agricultural worksites in 22 counties, more than doubling its outreach efforts since the program was announced in July.
Teams made unannounced visits to agricultural workplaces to speak with employers and workers about child labor requirements and provide educational materials. Outreach covered workplace safety, heat illness prevention, work hours, permits for minors and other worker protections.
The pilot brings together several state agencies, including Cal/OSHA, the Labor Commissioner’s Office, Employment Development Department and Agricultural Labor Relations Board.
According to DIR, young workers can be particularly vulnerable to workplace hazards because they may be entering the workforce for the first time and be unfamiliar with workplace risks and employer responsibilities.
California has specific requirements governing the types of work minors can perform, the hours they may work and permits required for their employment. Young workers are also covered by the state's workplace safety requirements.
Agricultural employers face additional concerns during periods of high temperatures. Cal/OSHA's heat illness prevention requirements include provisions addressing access to water and shade, high-heat procedures, emergency response and worker acclimatization.
The summer outreach represented the pilot phase of the Child Labor Compliance Assistance Team. Participating agencies said information gathered during the initiative will be used to guide future outreach and support for California agricultural communities.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.