Field Workers Stay Warm on The Job

It’s officially Fall and the cooler temperatures are here. Agriculture workers are in the fields very early in the morning. They need to take precautions to stay warm, including wearing multiple layers.

Even from inside the almond shaker machine, Sergio Mejia keeps his sweater on. “We have to like wear lots of sweaters, lots of jackets because it’s so cold in the morning, ” Mejia said.

The early mornings are especially cold. “We have to stay covered up because of how cold it is. If we don’t we can catch a cold or a fever,” said Mileidy Lopez, a seasonal worker.

For breaks and lunch, some prefer to go inside their cars where it is more comfortable and they can take the edge of the chill off. “I am going to go eat inside my car,” Lopez said.

Avoiding work during the chilly mornings is also sometimes possible, but depends on the agriculture company or supervisor to approve the change of schedule.

“Start a little later to skip the chilly temperatures,” said Hardeep Singh, a Fresno State Jordan College graduate.

While the winter cold has its challenges, many workers prefer the chill over the hot summer sun.