Policy: Environmental Health
Farmworkers are on the frontlines of extreme weather events. Given the outdoor nature of the labor, Farmworkers are especially vulnerable to climate-related hazards such as heat, wildfire smoke, and other natural disasters. Farmworker Justice works with federal and state partners to ensure that farmworkers are prepared and protected against the impact of extreme weather.
HEAT EXPOSURE
Farmworkers are 35 times more likely to die from heat-related illness than other U.S. workers. While a handful of states have implemented heat protections for outdoor workers (including California, Washington, Oregon, Maryland, and Colorado), there is currently no federal standard. Farmworker Justice works with state and national partners to implement heat protections for workers through administrative advocacy and legislation like the Asuncion Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act.
WILDFIRES
Farmworkers, especially in the west, often work in regions at high-risk for wildfires. California, Oregon, and Washington have standards to protect workers from wildfire smoke but there is no national standard. As wildfires become more common, it is important that farmworkers have adequate protections against the hazards of smoke. Farmworker Justice advocates for a federal wildfire standard, similar to a federal heat standard. We work alongside community partners, legislators, and administrative agencies to elevate the voices of farmworkers and ensure their inclusion in the development and implementation of emergency response policies.
