"Insufficient Legal Safeguards for Workers in Extreme Heat Conditions"

Most U.S. workers have few legal protections related to extreme heat conditions, leaving them vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Only six states have regulations guaranteeing laborers access to water, rest, and shade. The federal government is in the process of drafting heat safety rules, but it is a lengthy process. Recent climate studies show that Earth is experiencing record-high temperatures, exacerbating the risks faced by workers. The consequences of heat illness can be deadly, and heat-related deaths are often undercounted. The lack of specific guidelines makes it difficult for regulators to hold employers accountable for heat injuries. State legislatures or labor departments are left to issue their own workplace heat protections, but many states have yet to implement comprehensive measures.