The protection of workers in the fruit sector has returned to the center of the debate. Organizations such as Fruita amb Justícia Social have requested a more active presence of the Labor Inspectorate in the fields, especially during the time slots when temperatures reach their most extreme values.
For its part, Unió de Pagesos has emphasized the need for more defined criteria on when activity should be suspended. According to the union, the responsibility for deciding to stop work currently falls exclusively on producers, which creates uncertainty in situations of meteorological danger.
“"We would ask for recommendations to say 'today from one o'clock you cannot work, or we recommend that you do not work'."
The regulatory framework has recently been strengthened with the update of a labor protocol signed by various institutions and social agents. This document establishes preventive measures such as task rotation, breaks, and the obligation to provide adequate equipment, such as breathable clothing and sun protection.
Official data indicate that last year 124 infractions were recorded in Catalonia related to exposure to extreme temperatures, a figure that represents a 14.8% increase compared to the previous year. These figures underscore the importance of ensuring compliance with risk assessments in all agricultural holdings.
