California’s agricultural workers face long hours under the sun, especially during peak growing and harvesting seasons. When temperatures spike, the risk of heat-related illnesses becomes a serious concern.
Protecting yourself from these dangers is important, but so is understanding your rights as a worker. California has laws in place to help keep laborers safe in extreme heat.
Signs of heat-related illnesses
Some early warning signs of sickness from overexposure to heat include headaches, dizziness, heavy sweating, and muscle cramps. If you ignore these symptoms, they can develop into more serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Heat exhaustion happens when the body loses too much water and salt due to excessive sweating. Symptoms include nausea, rapid heartbeat, and weakness. Heatstroke is much more serious. This occurs when the body’s temperature rises above 104°F. Heatstroke can cause confusion, fainting, or even seizures. If you don’t treat it right away, it can lead to death.
If you feel any of these symptoms while working in the heat, stop exerting yourself. Find shade and cool down immediately.
Your rights as a worker in extreme heat
The State of California has strict rules that protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat. Employers must provide basic protections to workers who spend time outdoors in high temperatures.
For example, employers must give workers access to fresh drinking water, provide regular breaks in a shaded area, and offer training on heat-related illnesses. You have the right to speak up if your boss isn’t following these basic protections.
Employers also have to offer “cool-down” breaks when temperatures reach 95°F or higher. These breaks are necessary to prevent heat illnesses.
If your workplace fails to follow these safety rules, you can report the violations without fear of retaliation. By knowing your rights and recognizing the signs of heat illness, you can protect yourself and others while working in the California sun.
