The state government of Florida has decided not to allow laws that will enable workers to protect themselves from the scorching heat. Following that lead, Miami will end efforts to protect workers in its area. This means these workers will be outdoors during parts of the summer when the heat index is over 100 degrees F. The CDC has repeatedly warned of the health consequences, which even include death.
Homes With Weather Threats –Americans Can’t Leave Them
According to NPR, David Michaels, an epidemiologist at George Washington University and a former administrator at the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), said, “It’s outrageous that the state legislature will override the elected officials of Miami Dade or other counties that really recognize the importance of protecting that community of workers,” Nevertheless, there is no path forward. The local government will almost not reconsider the decision for a year or longer. It may take the deaths of workers in extreme heat to bring politicians back to the table.
Miami Extreme Heat
Miami is one of hundreds of cities in which workers face similar problems. First among these may be Phoenix, where the temperature was over 110 degrees F on 53 days. However, the danger is a problem across the southern tier of the US.
The US does not stand out when it comes to worker protection. The threat of death in the heat is also the case in nations like India. The official figure for heat deaths in 2023 was just above 2,000. That number is almost certainly undercounted by the thousands or tens of thousands.
The danger of heat to US workers will increase. It does not appear there will be many new laws to protect them.
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