Lack of Progress: States Neglecting Protection for Outdoor Workers in Extreme Heat

States Fail to Protect Outdoor Workers from Extreme Heat, Leading to Deaths

Over the past decade, nearly 400 U.S. workers have died from heatstroke, highlighting the urgent need for better protection measures. Shockingly, states have made little progress in safeguarding outdoor workers, with some even lifting regulations that would have provided shaded areas and drinking breaks. This alarming information was revealed by US media outlet Stateline, under The Pew Charitable Trusts.

While summer temperatures in the US continue to rise, states are still debating how to effectively protect outdoor workers from extreme heat. For instance, Texas recently passed a law repealing a local regulation that required employers to provide shaded areas and drinking breaks for construction workers. This move has raised concerns about the well-being of workers in the scorching heat.

In recent years, many states, lawmakers, and regulators have refused to mandate companies to provide shaded areas for outdoor workers to rest and drink. In some cases, legislation has failed, and state regulators have either been inactive or taken years to draft and issue rules to protect workers from heat threats.

Heat-related deaths are a significant concern in the United States, surpassing any other extreme climate-related fatalities. For example, in Texas alone, at least 42 workers died from heat between 2011 and 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, unions and advocates argue that the actual number is likely much higher due to other factors cited in worker deaths.

Investigations conducted by NPR and Columbia Journalism Investigations in 2021 revealed that nearly 400 workers have died from exposure to environmental heat over the past decade. Hispanic workers, particularly those in farming and construction, have been disproportionately affected.

Climate change exacerbates extreme heat conditions each year, and scientists predict that this trend will continue. Shockingly, only three states—California, Oregon, and Washington—currently require outdoor workers to have access to shaded areas. Minnesota has standards for indoor workers, while Colorado only covers farm workers.

Texas recently signed a new law repealing local regulations that required employers to provide shaded areas and drinking breaks for construction workers. This move, supported by local businesses, has sparked outrage among union leaders who demand better protection for workers. They argue that construction is a dangerous industry and that even minimal precautionary measures can save lives.

The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) urges companies to protect workers from heat, but there is currently no federal standard in place. Texas business groups and Republican lawmakers argue that compliance with city-to-city rules hampers economic growth and employment.

Despite the lack of progress in many states, some have taken steps to protect outdoor workers. California, for example, has had protections in place since 2005, including access to shade, breaks, and training standards. Oregon and Washington implemented temporary emergency standards after a deadly heatwave in 2021, with Oregon maintaining it as a permanent statute.

In response to the alarming number of heat-related deaths, President Joe Biden directed OSHA to establish federal standards for protecting workers from heat. However, this process typically takes an average of seven years and is subject to potential interruptions, depending on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.

While some states have made efforts to protect workers, others are still in the drafting stage or have failed to pass legislation. New York, Nevada, Florida, Virginia, and Maryland are among the states grappling with the issue. North Carolina advises the public that worker heat safety standards may be applied as a “general duty requirement” in the workplace, similar to federal OSHA guidelines.

The lack of progress in protecting outdoor workers from extreme heat is a pressing concern that demands immediate action. The rising temperatures and increasing frequency of heatwaves necessitate comprehensive regulations and standards to ensure the safety and well-being of workers across the country.

Source: Many states decline to require

How can states improve regulations to provide better protections for outdoor workers from extreme heat?

Mand better protections for outdoor workers.

In response to the lack of regulation, advocacy groups and unions have urged states to implement stronger safeguards for outdoor workers. They argue that providing shaded areas and regular breaks for hydration can significantly reduce the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

Moreover, studies have shown that the cost of implementing these protective measures is minimal compared to the potential cost of workers’ lives and medical treatment for heat-related illnesses. It is a matter of prioritizing worker safety and well-being.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines in place for protecting workers from extreme heat, but they are not enforceable standards. This means that employers are not required by law to adhere to these guidelines. Advocates argue that making these guidelines enforceable standards would provide better protection for workers.

There is hope that with increased awareness and advocacy, more states will take action to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat. It is crucial for lawmakers and regulators to prioritize the health and safety of workers, especially as temperatures continue to rise due to climate change.

In the meantime, workers and employers must take proactive measures to protect themselves and their employees from heat-related illnesses. This includes providing shaded areas, access to cool drinking water, and implementing proper training and protocols for working in extreme heat.

As the number of heat-related deaths in the U.S. continues to rise, it is clear that urgent action is needed to better protect outdoor workers. States must prioritize the implementation of regulations that ensure the safety and well-being of workers in extreme heat conditions. Lives are at stake, and it is essential that steps are taken to prevent further tragedies.