Florida’s heat protection ban sparks fierce worker safety debate

In a contentious move, state governor Ron DeSantis approved a law banning local heat protection mandates for outdoor workers. Affecting over two million Floridians, the decision has raised concerns about safety, employer accountability, and climate change.

Florida is renowned for its scorching summers and humid climate.

In spite of this, state governor Ron DeSantis recently stripped back worker protection rights, in a surprising move that’s been met with intense backlash.

Backed by agricultural and construction lobbyists, he signed House Bill 433 into law, effectively prohibiting local governments from mandating heat protection for outdoor workers. Such protections include shade, water breaks, or rest periods.

This has raised concerns about safety, employer accountability, and the role of authorities to protect vulnerable populations from the worsening effects of the climate crisis.

It’s a stark contrast to the proactive steps other states have taken to protect their workforce as temperatures continue to rise, with California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Minnesota all passing heat protection measures for workers in recent years.

The decision is particularly alarming considering Florida’s status as the hottest region in the US, with temperatures frequently soaring above dangerous levels.

Last August, Orlando hit 100°F (almost 40°C), with projections estimating that summer 2024 could well be even hotter.

As was to be expected, many argue that the legislation – which is being dubbed the ‘pro-heat stress bill’ – prioritises business interests over worker welfare as it has the potential to absolve employers of responsibility if their workers fall ill or die due to extreme heat exposure.

Heat-related illnesses are already prevalent in Florida.

Between 2010 and 2020, the state recorded 215 heat-related deaths and, nationwide, it’s estimated that 2,000 workers die annually due to heat stress.

These statistics underscore the very real dangers faced by outdoor workers and the significantly heightened threat that removing protections poses, not least for Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities – demographics that are disproportionately affected by heat-related illnesses and deaths.

The agricultural sector is an example of this, with Latinos 20 times more likely to die from heat-related illnesses as they account with Latinos accounting for 75 per cent of all workers in the US.

With this in mind, it’s no wonder that at the heart of this controversy are the millions of Floridians who work outdoors, often in terrible conditions.

Gardeners, farmers, construction workers, and many others are on the frontlines of this issue, exposed to extreme heat on a daily basis with little to no protection.

So, there is no telling what the data will show in the aftermath of this decision.

And while supporters of the bill stress that it protects businesses from burdensome regulations, opponents have pointed out the costs generated by heat-related illnesses.

It’s estimated that $10 billion is lost every year due to expenses associated with this, primarily as a result of decreased productivity.

For this reason, investing in worker protection could in fact yield substantial monetary benefits in addition to saving lives and improving overall health.

As the planet gets warmer, DeSantis’ move sets a worrying precedent at a time when worker’s safety should be the focus, rather than neglected.

Thoughtful, comprehensive approaches to worker safety in an increasingly hot world are, above all else, what’s needed going forward.