Heat-Stress Farmworker Death Leads to $187,509 Safety Fine (1)

The heat-stress death of a migrant worker harvesting sweet potatoes has led to a proposed $187,509 state fine against the North Carolina-based Barnes Farming Corp.

The fine is among the largest issued in recent years by state or federal regulators for alleged heat-stress-related violations of worker protection rules.

Recent federal cases include a proposed $88,721 fine issued Feb. 22 against United Parcel Service Inc. and a proposed $161,323 fine handed Feb. 1 to Dolgencorp of Texas Inc., an operator or Dollar General stores.

According to the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Division citations issued March 4, Barnes ...