From 2017 to 2023, the number of field inspections conducted by Cal/OSHA dropped by nearly 30%. The number of violations issued to employers fell by more than 40%. This alarming trend coincides with rising temperatures and growing concerns over worker safety, as many advocates argue that inadequate enforcement compromises the health and lives of the state's most vulnerable outdoor laborers, particularly farmworkers.
Ephraim Camacho, a community worker, stated, 'We just need Cal/OSHA to be out there more often and do more inspections that hopefully will save farmworker lives.' His comments reflect the frustrations of workers who regularly report failures in basic heat protections such as the absence of shade and drinking water.
Cal/OSHA reported that its 2023 inspection numbers increased over 2021, but this is offset by a 15% decrease from the year before. The agency aims to enhance its effectiveness through better training and automation while creating a new agricultural unit, highlighting the critical need for dedicated oversight in the face of mounting climate challenges.
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