Arizona Workers Struggle as Heat Safety Regulations Remain Inadequate

Arizona faces extreme heat with few worker protections. OSHA's proposed rules could help, but Trump-era cuts stall progress.
More than 1 million Arizonans are at high risk of heat at work. Statewide protections are sparse

With temperatures soaring past 110 degrees in Arizona this summer, the lack of legal protections for workers against extreme heat continues to be a pressing issue. Despite the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) starting to develop heat-specific rules under President Joe Biden, previous mandates from President Donald Trump to eliminate existing regulations for each new one have left progress stalled.

Eric Gregorovic, president of the Arizona State Association of Letter Carriers, emphasized the need for government leadership in ensuring worker safety. While delivering mail in Phoenix under a blistering 106 degrees sun, Gregorovic noted, “The U.S. government should be the model employer when it comes to safety of their employees.” The heat index reached 114, and the conditions inside his U.S. Postal Service truck were so severe that he preferred walking. “I’m looking at a thermometer in my truck right now. It’s 140 degrees,” he reported, highlighting the aging postal vehicles.

Arizona’s workforce, particularly in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and energy, faces significant risks. The Natural Resources Defense Council reports that over a million Arizonans are employed in high-risk industries, yet the state lacks formal workplace heat standards. Numerous legislative proposals have failed, including recent efforts by Democratic lawmakers.

Jason Sangster of Ironworkers Local 75 expressed concern over the lasting impact of heat-related illnesses on workers. He stated, “I’ve got a couple members that have had a heat illness (or) heat stroke and once you get it, you just can’t go back outside and be normal again.” The issue extends beyond outdoor workers; indoor workers in kitchens, warehouses, and other facilities also endure hazardous temperatures due to inadequate cooling.

A Harvard University report highlighted that 40% of indoor workers routinely face temperatures around 80 degrees, a situation historically overlooked by heat standards. Despite recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for a heat exposure standard since 1972, progress has been hampered by administrative challenges, including significant staffing cuts during the Trump administration.

OSHA’s Regulatory Challenges

OSHA’s efforts to establish heat regulations included a proposal on August 30, requiring measures like water provisions and cooling breaks for workers. However, the proposal’s future remains uncertain due to regulatory rollbacks initiated during Trump’s presidency. Labor advocates also express skepticism over the leadership at OSHA, citing past citations against companies like UPS and Amazon under the tenure of David Keeling, Trump’s nominee for OSHA head.

Without specific heat regulations, OSHA relies on a General Duty Clause to address workplace hazards, leading to numerous inspections and citations. From April 2022 to December 2024, OSHA conducted roughly 7,000 heat-related inspections, resulting in 60 citations and over 1,300 Hazard Alert Letters. High-profile cases, including the deaths of postal workers in Dallas, underscore the critical need for regulatory action.

Efforts at State and Local Levels

While Arizona lacks state-wide heat standards, some progress is evident at local levels. Cities like Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson have implemented ordinances requiring employers to maintain heat safety plans. These include provisions for water, shade, and acclimatization. However, broader state efforts, such as Governor Katie Hobbs’ State Emphasis Program, aim to raise awareness and encourage compliance, albeit without direct enforcement power.

Four states, including California and Nevada, have comprehensive heat standards covering both indoor and outdoor workers. In contrast, Arizona’s legislative efforts have faced significant setbacks, as noted by State Sen. Catherine Miranda, who emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate hydration and protections for workers.

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.


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