As extreme heat soars, laws to protect outdoor workers are bubbling up — and facing resistance
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Miami-Dade is the latest local push to protect agricultural and construction workers, two high-risk groups among employees affected by hot temperatures. But the effort comes as more and more people are becoming aware of — and stressed by — extreme heat, which causes more deaths every year in the U.S. than any other weather-related event. An estimated 1,300 Americans die from extreme heat each year. By 2050, that number could be closer to 60,000.
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A growing pile of research warns of how heat stroke can worsen health for decades afterward, potentially increasing the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and end-stage kidney disease. Some studies suggest heat stroke could cause neurological dysfunction or even decrease a person’s life expectancy.
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The proposal would require employers to have heat safety programs in place, including acclimatization practices to gradually — and safely — condition workers to the heat and workload (many heat-related deaths occur during the first week of work). The standard would also require employers to have first aid and emergency procedures, and give workers 10-minute water and rest breaks in the shade every two hours on very hot days.
But the real bite behind the Miami rule would be the creation of an enforcement arm at the county level. Employers who violate the standard would face financial penalties, possible suspension of county contracts and permits, requirements for extra training and inspections in the event of repeat offenses, and their violations listed in a public database.
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