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In Champagne, the fifth grape harvester has already died this year a few days ago. With two more deaths in Ardèche and Beaujolais, the total number of victims of this year's harvest rises to seven. The extreme heat wave in France is likely to be to blame. It was not uncommon for temperatures to reach 35 °C during the first two weeks of the harvest. The authorities are investigating the cases and taking autopsies to be able to define the initial diagnosis of "heat stroke" more precisely. The French edition of the Huffington Post attributes the deaths in Champagne to heart problems.
Regional labour inspector Anthony Smith writes on social media: "Work must stop in extreme heat conditions. If the employer does not do it, labour inspectors should be given the power to do it for them" and called on Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt to act. According to the regional government, a "guide for grape pickers" is being distributed to local employers, which includes tips on how to deal with extreme heat. According to the guide, working conditions would have to be adapted to the temperatures.
The Tribune de Lyon newspaper estimates that about 400 people have died across France as a result of the recent heat wave.
(al / source: vitisphere, wine-searcher)