2008-06-12 23:42:35 -

- The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) today issued an administrative order prohibiting Merced Farm Labor Contractor from operating in the fields, citing the company's failure to comply with heat illness regulations as a threat to worker safety.

"With temperatures rising we are taking this unusual step as a way to ensure that workers employed by this company are

not put at risk," said DIR Director John Duncan. "This order will be in force until the company is in full compliance with California heat illness prevention regulations."

Atwater-based Merced Farm Labor was the employer of Maria Isabel Vasquez Jimenez, a 17-year-old farmworker who died last month of suspected heat-related causes after working nine hours in high heat in a vineyard without water or shade. Under California law, outdoor employers are required to train supervisors and employees about the symptoms of heat illness, have an emergency medical assistance plan and provide shade and water to workers.

On June 4, the DIR's Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) moved to revoke Merced Farm Labor's license for failing to disclose that it was cited for similar Cal/OSHA violations in 2006, and for failing to follow heat illness regulations as required under its license.

In the course of the ongoing investigation of the Jimenez case, investigators have uncovered evidence that leads them to suspect that the company may be continuing to hire and place workers in unsafe and unhealthful working conditions, and as a result issued the Order to Prohibit Use as a precaution.

The DLSE adjudicates wage claims, investigates discrimination and public works complaints, and enforces state labor law and Industrial Welfare Commission wage orders. Cal/OSH protects workers and the public from safety hazards through its Cal/OSHA, elevator, amusement ride, aerial tramway, ski lift and pressure vessel programs.

To learn more about the functions of the California Labor Commissioner and Cal/OSHA, visit our web site at www.dir.ca.gov. Employees that have work-related questions or complaints can call the California Workers' Information Hotline at 1-866-924-9757.

California Department of Industrial Relations
Dean Fryer or Kate McGuire, 415-703-5050