Know Your Rights: Extreme Heat
Extreme Heat Kills Farm Workers
Farm workers are as much as 35 times more likely to be killed by heat than any other civilian occupation. However, the risk affects all workers as they face increased danger, whether it’s from steaming fast food kitchens to sweltering warehouses to airport workers on a sizzling tarmac. Something must be done! Extreme temperatures could sicken or kill thousands of workers.
The current lack of federal regulations puts workers in an impossible situation where they are forced to choose between making a living and protecting their lives. Worse, some states like Texas and Florida have banned local laws mandating water and rest breaks. Heat deaths are preventable. The prevention is simple: shade, cool water, rest, education, and monitoring.
Learn More about the effects of climate change on farm workers
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