The risks of night harvesting for farm workers

The hottest summer on record has led to an increase in night harvesting, as farmers seek to avoid the heat and improve the quality of their crops. However, this trend also poses safety hazards for farm workers, who face increased risks of injury due to low visibility and poor lighting.

According to a report by the Washington Post, about 9,000 people suffered injuries while working on a farm at night from 2011 to 2020. The number of injuries spiked to 1,150 in 2020, the highest on record.

Farm workers who spoke to the Post said that night harvesting can be disorienting and dangerous. They reported tripping over obstacles, hitting their heads, and falling off ladders in the dark. The shift also disrupts their sleep schedules and makes it difficult to see their families.

Agriculture is already the most dangerous industry in the United States, with an injury rate that is three times higher than the national average. Night harvesting only adds to these risks.

To mitigate the risks of night harvesting, farmers should provide adequate lighting and safety equipment for their workers. They should also make sure that workers are properly trained in night harvesting techniques.

In addition, policymakers should consider enacting regulations that would make night harvesting safer for farm workers. This could include requiring farmers to provide more lighting, to train workers in night harvesting techniques, and to limit the number of hours that workers can work at night.

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