Farm labor contractor fined in farmworker's death

FRESNO, Calif. — The company that hired a pregnant teen who died of heat stroke this spring after working in a Central Valley vineyard has been hit with the highest fine ever issued to a California farm labor contractor. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health fined Merced Farm Labor $262,700 Wednesday afternoon for violating eight workplace safety requirements. State authorities believe 17-year-old Maria Isabel Vasquez Jimenez died because the company denied her access to shade and water as she pruned wine grapes in nearly triple-digit heat. Inspectors also found the company deliberately neglected to train workers on how to protect themselves from heat illness. Labor Commissioner Angela Bradstreet is in the process of revoking the contractor's license. Modbee.com is pleased to be able to offer its users the... [read full story]