‘Your body fights to stay cool’: workers toil in record heat as federal rule frozen
Summary
This summer set a new heat record in the US, affecting many outdoor workers who face dangerous conditions like extreme heat and dehydration. Federal heat safety rules introduced during the previous administration were frozen early in 2025, and some lawmakers oppose new protections, leaving many workers without strong protections against heat-related health risks.Key Facts
- Outdoor workers face extreme heat, often working on rooftops or in direct sunlight without shade.
- The hottest summer in US history increased the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths among workers.
- In January 2025, the federal government froze heat safety rules that would have required water, shade, breaks, and training to protect workers.
- Some House Republicans want to block the Department of Labor from creating any new heat protection rules.
- States like Florida and Texas have passed laws stopping local governments from making their own heat safety rules.
- Business groups, especially in agriculture and construction, oppose the heat safety standards, saying they are burdensome.
- Only seven US states currently have enforceable heat safety standards for workers.
- Studies show that California’s heat protections have reduced heat-related worker deaths by at least 33% since 2010.
- New York City introduced its own heat protection rules after the federal government withdrew its proposed standards.
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