With the anticipation of more heat waves this summer, officials in California are working to assess the long-term economic impact on workers and businesses, as well as finding ways to protect workers who bear the burden of extreme temperatures. California has heat standards in place to protect outdoor workers, but enforcement of these standards remains challenging. Additionally, the state has been trying to establish indoor workplace heat rules for years. A recent study analyzed worker compensation data in California from 2001 to 2018 and found that hot days lead to increased workplace accidents, resulting in approximately 360,000 injuries over that time period. A new advisory committee in the state will use this data to address the ongoing issues related to heat-related illnesses and injuries, as well as the gaps in data collection and the financial impact on workers and businesses. The study also revealed that a day with temperatures above 100 degrees can lead to a 10-15% increase in same-day workplace injuries, hitting low-wage workers the hardest. The average cost of recovering from a heat-related injury or illness is approximately $35,000 per worker. The study also highlighted the link between high temperatures and reduced cognitive performance. The advisory committee, which consists of state agency staff and scholars, met for the first time in June and will work towards developing solutions for hot workplace issues. California is one of the few states that has laws mandating employers provide water breaks, shade, and rest for outdoor workers when temperatures meet certain thresholds. These standards were implemented in 2005 following the deaths of several farmworkers due to heat exposure. However, there are still no federal workplace protections specifically related to heat, even for outdoor workers. Efforts to establish heat rules for indoor workers in California have been ongoing for seven years but have yet to be finalized. Unions and worker advocates have previously taken legal action to enforce heat-related regulations, underscoring the need for improved enforcement and outreach to ensure workers are aware of their rights and the risks associated with heat. A recent study on farmworker health and safety found that many farmworkers lack knowledge about heat-related illnesses and that some employers do not comply with regulations regarding shade, water, and rest provisions. The study also revealed disparities in heat illness training and the availability of written heat illness protection plans among farmworkers. Addressing these gaps in job protections and ensuring compliance with existing regulations are crucial in protecting workers from the hazards of extreme heat.
A staggering 20,000 workplace injuries occur annually
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