Washington, D.C.— Rising temperatures and increased heatwaves fueled by climate change heighten farmworkers’ risk of heat-related illnesses according to a new report from Joint Economic Committee Democrats. Agricultural workers are 35x more likely to die from heat-related illnesses. 

Farmworkers are also exposed to toxic wildfire smoke, which is 10x as harmful as other sources like car pollution. One study estimates that wildfire smoke exposure reduces annual labor income by $125 billion per year. 

“Farmworkers provide food for families across the country and around the world. Without federal protections, they are at risk of serious injuries as climate change exacerbates heatwaves, wildfires, and other extreme weather events,” said JEC Chairman Martin Heinrich. “I’ll keep fighting to secure labor protections for farmworkers. Everyone deserves a safe working environment where you can support your family without needlessly risking your life on the job.” 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently finalizing protections for millions of workers against the threat of extreme heat in the workplace. Chairman Heinrich is also a cosponsor of legislation that would codify OSHA’s ability to protect workers against extreme heart, and he introduced the Office of Colonias and Farmworker Initiatives Establishment Act with Senator Luján, which would enhance farmworkers’ and colonia residents’ access to USDA programs.

Read the report here.  

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