Dixon farm contractor fined for violating heat protections for workers

(FOX40.COM) — Cal/OSHA fined a farm labor contractor in Dixon for three “serious-category violations” of the state’s heat illness protections for workers.

The agency said Ruiz Farm Labor was fined $17,550 after it found the company did not implement proper procedures, provide effective heat illness training, nor follow its own heat illness prevention plan for acclimatizing employees.

“Every worker should be treated with dignity and respect, and no one should face retaliation for protecting their health,” Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee said. “Employees deserve a safe work environment, especially in extreme conditions, and businesses that fail to follow the rules will be held accountable.”

According to Cal/OSHA, an investigation into the contractor began in June following a complaint from some farmworkers alleging retaliatory action.

According to the agency, Cal/OSHA learned of reports that the company turned away a group of employees who had previously left their shift during a heat wave.

The workers left their jobs early because of the high heat and in solidarity with a woman who was experiencing heat-related symptoms. When the six returned for work the next day, they were told there was no work for them.

Ruiz Farm Labor is appealing the fine.

The complaint about retaliatory action is still under investigation.

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