Dead smoke alarms, moldy rooms, empty first aid kits: Farmworkers endure unsafe and substandard housing across US
Investigate Midwest obtained and analyzed thousands of inspections records from 19 states. Here are the findings.
by Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest, February 15, 2024
Key takeaways
* Farmworkers often endure poor fire prevention, such as dead smoke alarms, empty or missing fire extinguishers, and, in some cases, blocked emergency exits. In at least one instance, questions about smoke alarms working were raised after an employer-provided dwelling burned down.
* Leaks, contributing to mold or mildew, were found in employer-provided housing across the country.
* Investigate Midwest attempted to obtain farmworker housing inspection records from all 50 states, but it was stymied. So far, the newsroom has obtained and analyzed records from 19 states.
