Central Coast advocates offer safety tips for farmworkers working during heat wave

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Central coast advocates are offering safety tips and guidance for some people who have to work in the heat, including local farmworkers.

“These heatwaves are happening more and more, particularly due to climate change in recent years,” said local organization CAUSE advocate Lucas Zucker.

While some try to beat the heat with air conditioning, farmworkers are still out in the fields, without much protection from the weather.

“Farmworkers are one of the most vulnerable groups of workers to heat illness and to other kinds of occupational hazards,” said Zucker.

Local organizations like CAUSE are reminding workers of their rights.

“In particular, above 80 degrees, agricultural companies have to provide shade for workers,” said Zucker. “And above 95 degrees, companies have to provide 10 minute breaks every 2 hours instead of every 4 hours.”

Health care professionals said heat strokes are very common during heat waves like this.

“The main symptoms are nausea, vomiting and a lack of sweat when it is hot outside,” said Lompoc Valley Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Yvette Cope.

Nurses said if you are experiencing heat stroke symptons, go to the hospital immediately.

“A heat stroke is a very serious condition,” said Cope. “It can cause brain damage, you could have a stroke."

They add that the best way to prevent heat related illness is simply to hydrate.

“At least another 4 to 8 glasses, especially for the farmworkers out there,” said Cope. “But to add the electrolytes. That's going to help them a lot.”