The summer is already proving to be one for the record books and as new data sheds light on climate change-induced heat deaths, outdoor workers are among the most vulnerable for heat illness.
Where in the world? While one may assume that Greece is used to hot summers, not even Megan Thee Stallion could prepare workers for the rising digits this year. Last month Greek labor ministry officials ordered breaks and stop-work times for workers in certain parts of the country most impacted by the heat wave, according to the AP. The country has also asked employers to allow remote work as the heat wave continued.
As the impacts of climate change become more apparent, several European countries including Spain, Italy, and France have instituted heat laws to protect workers in recent years, regulating how much time people can work outdoors on hot days and mandatory breaks.
Satellite view. The US and many employers have largely resisted federal heat protection rules and some politicians have actively fought against keeping workers protected as temperatures climb. Many workers have complained or gone on strike against employers like UPS and Amazon, claiming they’ve had to continue working in dangerously hot conditions.
In 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law prohibiting local governments in the state from instituting heat regulations such as cooling measures or specific employee protections. Texas has a similar law, and just a handful of states—including California and Washington—have heat regulations for employers. Maryland adopted heat standards last fall, ensuring workers have breaks, shade, and water, HR Brew previously reported. The state’s law also requires employers to give workers up to two weeks to acclimate to the heat, which is most likely to harm new workers.
Quick-to-read HR news & insights
From recruiting and retention to company culture and the latest in HR tech, HR Brew delivers up-to-date industry news and tips to help HR pros stay nimble in today’s fast-changing business environment.
The federal government heard arguments for federal workforce protections in June, and some industry representatives (unclear which ones) proposed rules modeled off Nevada’s new workplace heat guidelines, according to E&E News. However, critics of the Nevada law note that the rules are too vague and do not guarantee worker breaks.
“Under this approach employers would assess working conditions where employees may be at risk of heat injury or illness and implement controls at their discretion to address those specific identified risks,” Jeff Atteberry, senior policy advisor at the American Petroleum Institute (API), said defending the proposed rule.
The guidelines being pushed by the API and other lobbying organizations, are less strict than what the Biden administration proposed in 2024.
Some advocates had praised the regulations proposed in 2024, saying they could help protect workers. Yesenia Cuello, executive director of NC FIELD, which advocates for farmworkers, told the News & Observer, “It’s a good step to mandate employers to create comprehensive heat illness prevention plans. We know that this would ultimately reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses—and honestly, fatalities—because the reality is that heat can kill.”