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Migrant Workers Face Deadly Heat with No Protections
7 Oct
Summary
- Farm worker suffered heatstroke, now faces permanent disability.
- Contractor previously cited after another worker's heatstroke death.
- Lack of federal heat standards leaves vulnerable workers unprotected.
In July 2022, H-2A visa farm worker Carlos Vargas Moreno suffered a severe heatstroke while toiling in 98.3F heat in North Carolina, resulting in permanent disability. This incident occurred despite his employer, Florida Orange Gold, having been cited two years prior for similar failings after another worker, Carmen Sebastian Hernandez Mosqueda, died from heatstroke in 2020.
Despite being cited for violations, including a failure to implement a heat stress prevention program, Florida Orange Gold allegedly made only superficial changes. Investigations revealed the company's program was a template downloaded from the state's website, with minimal actual implementation. This lack of accountability is exacerbated by the absence of federal and state heat safety standards for agricultural workers.
Vargas Moreno's family recounts his struggle, including insufficient water and breaks. His collapse and subsequent hospitalization highlight the dangers faced by migrant farm workers, who are significantly more likely to die from heat-related illnesses. Advocates are pushing for stronger regulations, but face resistance from industry groups and hesitant state officials.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of H-2A workers, who face losing their jobs and legal status if they refuse dangerous working conditions. As climate change intensifies heat waves, the situation for these workers is expected to worsen without robust legal protections and enforcement.
