OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A farm company in Washington has been fined more than $2 million after two workers died of COVID-19.
The company reportedly violated coronavirus safety procedures repeatedly.
The state Department of Labor & Industries said it launched an investigation in July after being contacted by an employee of Gebbers Farm Operations in Brewster.
Authorities say they confirmed a 37-year-old temporary worker from Mexico died July 8, and the death was not reported to state officials as required.
A second worker, a 63-year-old, died of the virus July 31.
The state investigation led to Gebbers being cited for 24 “egregious willful violations” for unsafe sleeping arrangements and unsafe worker transportation.