Farmworkers in extreme heat get free electrolytes in 22 states

On certain farms across 22 states, workers who harvest everything from tomatoes to tulips to blueberries will now have mandatory access to electrolytes, which can help them stay safe in dangerous extreme heat. 

It’s the latest rule from the Fair Food Program, a partnership between growers, farmworkers, and food retailers (including Walmart, McDonald’s, Whole Foods Market, and Trader Joe’s) to improve working conditions on farms.

As extreme heat worsens and becomes even more dangerous, it’s a crucial step, the program says, to keeping workers healthy.

Farmworkers have the highest heat risk

When a heat wave hits, farmworkers are among the most vulnerable: they’re 35 times more likely to die from heat-related stress than workers in any other industry. Farm work is physically grueling, and, particularly during harvest season, workers can be outside from sun up to sundown.

There are currently no federal standards to protect outdoor workers, including those on farms, from heat.

The Fair Food Program, however, has its own set of heat protections, including mandatory breaks, guaranteed access to shade and water, and trainings on how to spot symptoms of heat stress for both workers and supervisors.

Now it’s added a rule, which took effect August 1, requiring all participating growers to provide electrolyte beverages or supplements to workers year-round.