Heat at Work

Exposure to heat at work has long been recognized as a health and safety hazard. As global temperatures rise, global warming is making heat waves more frequent, intense and dangerous.  

Working in excessively hot and humid conditions, whether outdoors or indoors, leaves workers vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, such as heat stress, heat exhaustion, cramps, heat rash and heat stroke, all of which can result in death. Every year, dozens of workers die, and thousands more become ill from preventable heat exposure. These injuries and illnesses from heat exposures often go unreported, so the true toll is unknown.

Workers of color and immigrant workers are disproportionately impacted by the dangers of heat as they face higher rates of illness, injury and death.

All workers should have their basic health and safety needs met. The AFL-CIO is committed to advocating for stronger heat protections for all workers. Learn more about the issue and what we’re doing to ensure that workers can return home safely to their families at the end of each workday. 

 

A woman holding a sign that says, "water is a right" at a heat rally in Arizona
A woman in an AFSCME tshirt speaking at a heat rally with a sign that says 'Protect Workers'
SEIU Airport Worker with a sign that says 'Water is Life'

Related Links

 

Prevent Heat Illness at Work OSHA Poster Thumbnail

Take Action

 

“Heat poses a grave risk to city letter carriers. We deliver mail and packages on our designated routes all year long, including in the hottest weeks of summer. Typically, we work at least eight hours a day, including through the peak afternoon heat, and almost entirely alone. Unmitigated exposure to excessive heat can cause heat stress, often resulting in serious injury, illness or death.”

—Brian L. Renfroe, president, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)

“We deserve answers. This was someone [who] was stolen from our lives. My son was everything to us.”

—The family of Ronald Silver, Baltimore City Department of Public Works employee, AFSCME member and father of five

“Working in the harvest department during the summer is like walking into a furnace. From the moment you step on the floor, the heat hits you in the face—and it doesn’t let up.

“We need change. We need a proper cooling system—not just fans, but something designed to fight the extreme heat and heavy steam. Not just for comfort, but for safety. Because when you’re constantly losing workers to heat stress, you’re not just slowing production—you’re risking lives.

—United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)