Santos Brizuela, a worker who has spent more than two decades laboring outdoors, has experienced the harsh effects of extreme heat throughout his career. He suffered from heatstroke while cutting sugarcane in Mexico and chronic laryngitis from repeated exposure to the hot sun on various jobs. However, it wasn’t until last summer, while working on a construction crew in Las Vegas, that he reached his breaking point.
The rising temperatures caused Brizuela immediate headaches and loss of appetite. It was only at his current maintenance job that he finally has access to breaks and health protections. Unfortunately, his experience is not unique. Many people who work in extreme heat, both indoors and outdoors, lack consistent protection from the adverse effects, which are exacerbated by climate change.
While federal and state governments have implemented procedures to tackle environmental risks related to climate change, such as drought, flood, and wildfires, protections against extreme heat have generally lagged behind. The absence of a federal heat standard in the U.S. leaves workers reliant on the “general duty clause,” which requires employers to mitigate hazards that could cause serious injury or death. However, there are no consistent benchmarks to determine what constitutes a serious heat hazard, making regulation and enforcement challenging.
Some positive movement has been observed in recent years, with states like Colorado, Washington, and Oregon strengthening their heat safety standards and regulations. Arizona and Nevada have also adopted heat emphasis programs. However, consistent and comprehensive state and federal standards are essential to protect all workers, especially those in low-wage and migrant jobs.
The Biden administration has introduced new regulations to develop heat safety standards and strengthen protective measures for at-risk private sector workers. However, these regulations are likely to face a lengthy review process. A group of Democratic U.S. Congress members has also introduced a bill to legislate heat standards. Nevertheless, for now, the responsibility for protecting workers from extreme heat largely falls on individual employers.
It is crucial to establish comprehensive and consistent heat protection laws to safeguard workers’ health and safety. Extreme heat is a growing concern, and as temperatures continue to rise, it is vital to prioritize the well-being of those who are most vulnerable to its effects.
Original Article: www.wealthnationusa.com/article12345
