20+ Washington Farms Have Been Cited For Coronavirus Violations

WASHINGTON — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries says their agents have been called to investigate coronavirus safety violations at 384 farms across the state since the pandemic began, but have only had to fine a little more than 20.

One reason so few have been fined, is the state's policy that coronavirus safety enforcement focus on education and improvement, rather than punishment for failure. Of the 384 agricultural workplace investigations, 130 inspections ended with L&I finding COVID-19 safety violations, and L&I says more are likely to be discovered in the coming weeks as they wrap up further investigations. However, citations remain rare because businesses are given an opportunity to improve — only after repeated failures or a demonstrated unwillingness to follow safety guidelines do L&I agents typically bring down the hammer.

“Our country relies on agriculture workers to grow and harvest food for our tables. We’re doing everything possible to make sure they are safe on the job,” said L&I Director Joel Sacks.

Agriculture is one of the driving forces of Washington's economy, one of the reasons L&I says they've been so focused on making the industry as safe as possible.

"L&I performs more agriculture worker safety and health inspections and consultations than nearly any other state in the country," said Anne Soiza, L&I assistant director for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. "This year, we stepped up efforts in this essential industry due to this new serious hazard."

Of the few dozen businesses cited, L&I have highlighted only the top five farms which received the largest fines from investigators:

• King Fuji Ranch Inc. of Mattawa was fined $13,500 for not enforcing social distancing among workers, and for allowing workers assigned at different shelter groups to intermingle.
• Gebbers Farms Operations LP, of Bridgeport, was fined $13,200, also for allowing shelter group workers to interact with other shelter groups, and for not installing required safety barriers in their kitchens.
• Evans Fruit Company Inc. was fined a total of $6,600 for failing inspections at their Sunnyside, Cowiche and Tieton locations, when employees were found not wearing masks, taking temperatures or social distancing. Evans is in the process of appealing the fines.
• Agrilabor in Benton city was fined $5,400 for not separating worker beds the required six feet. Agrilabor has also appealed this fine.
• 7Point Holdings LLC, which operates as Northwest Cannabis Solutions in Elma, was fined $3,300 after employees were found maskless and not social distancing. This fine is also being appealed.

Related: 11 Washington Businesses Have Been Fined For Mask Violations