California labor officials said May 21 they shut down five more farm employers in the past 4 days after crews were found in extreme heat with little water, shade or safety training.

Cal-OSHA has shut down eight companies in a week – two in the Central Valley – until they comply with laws.

On May 20, 15 employees of Joel Salazar Farms were found planting date palms in 116-degree heat in the desert city of Thermal with less than a gallon of drinking water to share, said Erika Monterrosa, Cal-OSHA spokeswoman.

State law requires that outdoor workers be provided at least one quart of fresh water per worker per hour and shade if temperatures exceed 85.

To prevent heat-stress injuries and deaths, officials are closing businesses on the spot rather than just fining them.

The Salvador Alvarado company was shut because workers were picking corn in 106-degree heat in Coachella with no shade, training, toilets or water cups.

Valley Pride was closed in the same area because workers covering watermelons so they wouldn't burn were given no shade themselves in 108-degree heat.

In 2008, the 2nd most frequent citation issued by Cal/OSHA for all employers was for violation of the Heat Illness Standard. 

Don Dressler Consulting has developed material designed to help you comply with the law, keep your employees safe, and keep operating. Included are:

1. A Draft Heat Illness Prevention Plan (all employers with employees who work outdoors are required to have a written plan, to provide water, shade, training and arrange for emergency response;
2. Links for Resources and a sample training card in English and Spanish;
3. Questions and Answers about the Heat Illness rule issued by Cal/OSHA in March of 2009; and
4. A copy of Cal/OSHA’s regulation.  

You can receive this material free of charge and with our compliments just by e-mailing a request to: info@dondressler.com   

Issue 32, May 2009

Quick Resources
Employers' Bill of Rights
The starting point for an effective human resources strategy.
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HR Kits for Safety and Convenience
We’ve made it simple for you to comply with the law and avoid penalties. Money back guarantee.
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Case Studies
Read some real life situations our clients have faced, and the solutions we designed to reduce their costs and keep them out of future trouble.
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Avoid Sexual Harassment Law Suits.
This free white paper focuses on key strategies to avoid sexual harassment trouble at your business.
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Please call 949.533.3742 or email us to find out more about our unique approach to reducing your costs and avoiding legal trouble.