Summary: A historic heat wave sweeping across the Southwest and other parts of the US is drawing attention to the increasing deaths and injuries of workers in extreme heat. This issue is particularly prevalent among low-wage migrant workers who are often employed in hot warehouses, kitchens, or outdoor jobs.
While federal procedures exist for addressing climate change-related risks like drought, flood, and wildfires, there is a lack of specific heat protections. Despite ongoing efforts by the Biden administration, there is currently no federal heat standard in the US, leaving workers potentially exposed to hazardous conditions. Some states have adopted their own regulations, but there is a need for consistent and comprehensive standards to address this climate hazard.