Workers Deserve Protection from Extreme Heat: A Call to Action for Safer Workplaces

Workers at Risk: The Urgent Need for Heat Safety Standards

As the summer temperatures soar, the dangers of extreme heat for workers across the United States are becoming increasingly apparent. Each year, up to 2,000 U.S. workers lose their lives due to heat-related incidents, with an additional 170,000 suffering from injuries and illnesses. The ongoing effects of climate change only serve to exacerbate this already deadly hazard, making it even more perilous for those we honor on Labor Day.

The recent tragic death of Eugene Gates Jr., a veteran postal worker in Dallas, serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by workers in the sweltering heat. Despite the National Weather Service identifying a heat index of 117 degrees as a danger zone, Eugene collapsed and died while delivering mail on a scorching summer day. His widow, Carla Gates, lamented, “That was his job, and the heat got to him.”

In response to such tragedies, some states have taken action to implement heat safety standards. Oregon, for example, issued a temporary heat safety standard following several worker deaths during a 2021 heatwave, leading to the development of the nation’s most comprehensive occupational heat standard. Similarly, in Florida, farmworkers mobilized to demand a municipal heat standard that would provide essential protections for workers in high-risk industries.

While these state-level efforts are commendable, there is a pressing need for nationwide regulations to safeguard all workers in all workplaces. President Joe Biden recently increased enforcement for heat safety violations and inspections in high-risk industries, but more decisive action is required. Workers, unions, and safety advocates are calling on Congress to pass a new law mandating OSHA to implement an interim heat stress standard within one year, providing a consistent national framework for protecting workers from extreme heat.

The time for action is now. With thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries and illnesses occurring annually due to heat-related incidents, bold and decisive measures are needed to ensure the safety and well-being of workers across the country. As the impacts of climate change continue to escalate, there is no room for complacency when it comes to protecting those who build our homes, harvest our food, and deliver essential goods.

In the face of rising temperatures and increasing risks, workers, unions, and advocates must continue to push for stronger protections and demand accountability from employers and government agencies. The fight for heat safety standards is not just a matter of workplace safety—it is a fundamental issue of justice and dignity for all workers.