Reported 12 months ago
Amid soaring temperatures, U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson ordered Louisiana to improve conditions for prisoners working in the fields of Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola, citing risks of injury or death. The state was given seven days to provide a plan to address issues like lack of shade, work breaks, sunscreen, and medical checks for those vulnerable to high temperatures. While the judge didn't completely shut down the farm line when temperatures hit 88 degrees Fahrenheit, the ruling comes amidst increased scrutiny on prison labor, traced back to slavery, with several big companies cutting ties with prison farms.
Source: YAHOO