Produce Workers

Most of these workers are color or people or a minority who live in rural areas. About 75% are Mexicans who have attained citizenship or have a worker visa. These workers are recruited by contractors after being offered a good job and opportunities, a better quality life. Many times, after the workers arrive at their jobs, they realize they did not sign up for that, they were fooled into believing the lies they were told by the contractor. Employers pay their workers under the table cash wages, which is illegal. Throughout their employment, workers face many dangerous and hazardous situations. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, agriculture consistently ranks as one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. Many of the hazards and dangers have to do with the field-workers' health. Agricultural workers experience increased rates of respiratory diseases, noise-induced hearing loss, skin disorders, certain cancers, exposure to toxic chemicals and heat-related illnesses. One of the biggest concerns regarding the health of the workers is the long exposure to the sun.  It is not unusual for men, women, and children to work under the sun for several hours in temperatures exceeding 90 or 100 degrees.