Farmworkers: benefits.

Assembly Member Addis proposes new workers' compensation protections for California farmworkers who suffer heat-related injuries while working for employers that fail to follow heat illness prevention standards. The legislation creates a disputable presumption that heat-related injuries sustained by agricultural workers arise from their employment when employers do not comply with requirements like providing shade, water, and rest periods.

The bill establishes a $5 million Farmworker Climate Change Heat Injury and Death Fund, drawn from existing workers' compensation administration funds, to cover administrative costs associated with these cases. Under the new provisions, affected workers would receive full medical treatment, disability payments, and death benefits through the workers' compensation system. The appeals board must rule in favor of employees unless employers present evidence to overcome the presumption.

The measure defines qualifying incidents as any heat-related injury, illness, or death that manifests during or immediately after outdoor work periods. Employers can rebut claims by demonstrating compliance with prevention standards, including maintaining heat illness prevention plans in workers' primary languages and providing mandated safety training. The legislation maintains existing regulatory requirements while adding new protections specifically for agricultural workers exposed to extreme heat conditions.