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Florida workers lack state and local heat protections

On Behalf of | Oct 7, 2024 | Workers' Compensation

Some two million Floridians have jobs that require them to work outdoors. These jobs are largely in construction and agriculture. However, sanitation workers and many other people in both the private and public sectors also have to spend their workdays outdoors.

While California, which also deals with extreme heat, and a handful of other states have laws that regulate work conditions to help protect outdoor workers from the effects of excessive heat, Florida has no such law. 

New law prohibits cities, counties from enacting their own regulations

Further, earlier this year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that prohibits cities and counties throughout the state from having their own heat protections for workers.

Miami-Dade County was proposing a heat protection rule but scrapped it when the legislation to prohibit such rules passed in the state legislature. Gov. DeSantis indicated that the law was necessary to stop that county’s efforts, saying, “I think they were pursuing something that was going to cause a lot of problems down there.”

Of course, employers can and should implement their own policies that require workers to get a minimum amount of time in the shade, have available fresh water and be able to take adequate rest breaks. Tent-like coverings can be used in some areas, such as on roofs, to protect workers from direct sunlight.

Heat-related illnesses and injuries

Among the heat-related illnesses that workers can suffer are heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Of course, other problems caused by working in extreme heat, such as dizziness, fatigue and dehydration, can lead to falls and other injuries. Extreme heat can also make other medical conditions that workers might have even worse. Burns are a risk from touching hot surfaces and even equipment.

As the temperatures get higher every year, it’s critical that employers and employees recognize the signs of heat-related medical conditions so that affected workers can get out of the heat and sun and receive the needed care. Heat-related illnesses can be fatal and kill workers every year. 

If you have suffered an illness or injury at work due to extreme heat or have lost a loved one, it’s crucial to know your rights to workers’ compensation. If you’re having difficulty filing a claim or getting a claim approved, it can help to have experienced legal guidance to get the compensation you’re due.