Many Americans stay home and crank up the air conditioning once temperatures reach 80 degrees. Imagine working for hours on end outside in temperatures exceeding 90 or 100 degrees. On top of this, there’s little shade, minimal breaks and often not enough water. This is the reality for millions of laborers who work in agriculture, construction and other industries. Why aren’t there more legal guidelines protecting these essential workers?
Guest Information:
- Dr. Rachel Licker, senior climate scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists.
- Kate Suisman, attorney, Northwest Workers’ Justice Project.
Links for more info:
- Union of Concerned Scientists USA – Dr. Rachel Licker
- More about the Northwest Workers’ Justice Project
- NBC News – Why are workers in the U.S. still dying from heat exhaustion?
- California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) – Heat-related mortality and morbidity
Leave a Reply