American workers face increasing heat dangers without adequate federal protections

Despite the rising threat of heat-related illnesses and deaths, the U.S. lacks comprehensive federal regulations to safeguard workers from extreme heat.

Zoë Schlanger reports for The Atlantic.

In short:

• In the U.S., heat kills more people annually than tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods combined, particularly affecting outdoor and indoor laborers.
• California has recently moved to protect indoor workers, and OSHA is expected to propose new heat protection rules, though they face significant opposition.
• Heat exposure can cause systemic inflammation and organ damage, leading to severe health consequences like chronic kidney disease.

Key quote:

"You can be completely hydrated and still have heatstroke."

— Jason Glaser, CEO of La Isla Network

Why this matters:

As climate change intensifies, workers are increasingly vulnerable to heat-related health issues, making it crucial to implement stronger protections to prevent further loss of life and long-term health complications. Read more: We are undercounting heat-related deaths in the US.