The Phoenix City Council has passed a new law requiring all city contractors and subcontractors to create and implement heat safety plans. This new rule, driven by labor advocacy and a spike in temperatures, requires that workers be provided with cool, potable water, rest breaks, and access to shaded or air-conditioned areas. By May 1, 2025, it will also be compulsory to equip enclosed cabs with air conditioning. This decision comes in the wake of Phoenix experiencing unprecedented heat in 2023, leading to a record 395 heat-related fatalities, as reported by Maricopa County’s public health department.
Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari emphasized the severity of heat as a local hazard and expressed hope that this ordinance would pave the way for more robust measures to combat the increasing threat of extreme temperatures.
The focus on heat safety aligns with a national concern, as rising temperatures due to climate change continue to impact workers, particularly in sectors like construction and agriculture. In response, President Joe Biden outlined initiatives to enhance worker protections against extreme heat, including stricter enforcement of heat safety regulations and additional inspections by the U.S. Department of Labor. The administration also plans to boost investments in weather forecasting and water storage to mitigate the effects of heatwaves.
Despite these efforts, the U.S. lacks a federal standard for heat safety in the workplace. Studies, such as one by Turner Construction, highlight the risks workers face, showing that even on moderately warm days, many can experience dangerously high body temperatures, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive heat safety standards.
