Workers’ Rights to Safe Conditions
As of today, there are only three states that have heat-related labor standards for workers: California, Washington, and Minnesota. The first two states protect outdoor workers while the third state protects indoor workers. California’s regulations, which are more than a decade old and were created in response to several farmworker deaths, are considered a model. Legislators across the country are pushing for a federal law to protect workers who labor in extreme heat.
Illnesses and injuries related to extreme weather can be prevented. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), employers have a duty to protect their workers from recognized serious hazards that exist in the workplace – including extreme heat or cold – even if there is no specific OSHA safety standard. Indeed, at the federal level, heat-related stress is only regulated by OSHA’s federal standard that employers must create working conditions that are safe. In the absence of any specific regulations, however, the standard is a difficult one to keep.
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Dangers of Working in Extreme Heat
Not surprisingly, workers who are new to outdoor labor are typically at a higher risk of suffering a heat-related illness than those who have been doing this type of labor for some time. According to OSHA statistics, almost 50% of heat-related worker illnesses happen on the employee’s first day and 80% had only been on the job for four days or less. Simply put, workers need to build up their tolerance to the extreme weather in order to remain safe. Moreover, workers who are involved in strenuous activity, who use heavy or non-breathable clothing, and those who are new to outdoor labor are especially at risk and need additional precautions.
Florida Legal Help for the Injured
If you or someone you know has been hurt in Central Florida due to working in extreme weather, or has suffered any other type of injury, contact Bogin, Munns & Munns. Our workplace injury attorneys understand Florida personal injury and worker’s compensation law and will fight for the monetary compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free personal injury consultation.
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NOTICE: The article above is not intended to serve as legal advice, and you should not rely on it as such. It is offered only as general information. You should consult with a duly licensed attorney regarding your Florida legal matter, as every situation is unique. Please know that merely reading this article, subscribing to this blog, or otherwise contacting Bogin, Munns & Munns does not establish an attorney-client relationship with our firm. Should you seek legal representation from Bogin, Munns & Munns, any such representation must first be agreed to by the firm and confirmed in a written agreement.
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