Your safety matters: Protections for Agricultural Workers in California

According to California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), more than 700,000 seasonal workers labor in the state’s agricultural fields. These workers help feed communities throughout California and beyond. Because of the nature of their work, they are often exposed to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, pesticides, and other hazards that can cause serious illness or injury if proper protections are not in place.

California law provides important workplace rights to help protect agricultural workers’ health and safety.

One of these protections is outlined in the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, Section 3457, which requires employers to provide:

Cool, clean drinking water that is accessible at all times during working hours. Employers must also provide single-use cups or drinking fountains.

Access to clean, sanitary, and operational restroom facilities in good repair.

Handwashing facilities equipped with water, soap, and single-use towels. Employees must be able to wash their hands before eating and both before and after using the restroom.

The ability to drink water as frequently as needed without restriction.

Drinking water, toilets, and handwashing facilities must generally be located within a quarter mile or a five-minute walk of employees, whichever is shorter.

In the Central Valley, where temperatures often exceed 100 degrees during the summer months, access to water and shade can be lifesaving. To help prevent heat illness, CCR Title 8, Section 3395 requires employers to provide:

• Cool-down rest breaks whenever temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher

• Shade that is located as close as practicable to the work area and provides enough coverage for employees to rest comfortably.

  
  

Report Violations and Unsafe Working Conditions

These regulations exist to protect workers and keep them safe on the job. If you or a loved one works in agriculture and is not being provided with these essential resources, you have the right to report unsafe working conditions.

Reports can be made anonymously. When one worker is affected, it is often a sign that others are affected as well.

All workers have rights, regardless of immigration status.

ELF is part of the California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) and can assist workers in filing reports, understanding their workplace rights, and connecting with additional resources.

For assistance, call (559) 291-5428 or visit our office at 4290 Ashlan Avenue, Fresno, CA 93726

For the complete text on CCR 3395 and 3457, please visit https://www.dir.ca.gov/