Construction worker's tragic end highlights the deadly impact of extreme heat on workers

Caught in a deadly heatwave, David Azevedo's effort to impress in a new job tragically cost him his life, underscoring the urgent need for better protections for outdoor workers.

Samira Shackle reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• David Azevedo, working in extreme heat on a French construction site, succumbed to heatstroke, demonstrating the severe risk posed by rising temperatures.
• Despite showing signs of severe heat illness, David was left unattended for critical moments, which may have contributed to his death.
• The incident reveals the urgent necessity for stronger safety regulations to protect workers in increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves.

Key quote:

“Workers are compelled to be in the heat. They have to work or they lose their livelihood. This speaks to a wider dynamic: power and money determine your vulnerability to climate change.”

— Cora Roelofs, professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell

Why this matters:

As heatwaves become more frequent and severe, our bodies are pushed to their limits, and the risks aren't just limited to those working under the sun. Read more: How youth can battle extreme heat in their communities.