Extreme Heat Can Have Deadly Consequences for Arizona Workers
As summer temperatures rise, so do the risks for workers exposed to extreme heat, especially those on construction sites, in warehouses, or engaged in outdoor labor.
Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat in their workplaces every day, and the summer months pose a higher risk of heat-related injuries. Data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now indicate that extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States.
As climate change causes hotter weather and more heat-related deaths, prioritizing safety while working in the heat is more important than ever.
Heat-related illnesses can strike fast and have serious consequences, but with the proper precautions, they’re entirely preventable.
Who is Most At Risk for Heat-Related Consequences?
The highest number of heat-related workplace injuries typically occurs during the summer, when temperatures are at their most extreme.
A new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) found “the probability of work-related accidents increases by 5% to 6% when the maximum daily temperature rises above 90°F, relative to a day with temperatures in the 65–70°F range.” However, these injuries can occur at any time of year, both indoors and outdoors.
The outdoor jobs that are most at risk include construction, agriculture, landscaping, mail and package delivery, and oil and gas well operations. Construction workers represent only 6% of the total U.S. workforce, yet they account for more than one-third of all reported occupational deaths associated with heat exposure.
Risky indoor jobs include bakeries or kitchens, electrical utilities, iron and steel mills, warehousing, and fire services.
What is Arizona Doing to Protect Its Workers?
As temperatures rise in Arizona, approximately one in five workers is in a heat-hazard industry. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the number of people working in the heat in high-risk industries could be as high as one million Arizonans.
Employers are legally obligated to protect their workers on the job, including from heat-related injuries. But only five states (California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington) guarantee workers access to rest, shade, and water.
In May 2025, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed an Executive Order that directs the ICA’s Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) to form a Workplace Heat Safety Task Force.
“We are taking action to protect Arizonans from heat risk in the workplace,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Whether building our homes, growing our produce, or manufacturing the next advanced technology, Arizonans deserve to be safe at work. Through this Executive Order, we are partnering with employers to ensure the health and safety of all Arizona workers.”
While Arizona law still has no formal heat standards for the workplace, in 2024, following action by the Hobbs Administration, the number of heat-related claims significantly decreased.
Workplace Heat Safety Tips for Surviving Hot Weather
The bad news is that thousands of workers become ill from occupational heat exposure each year. The good news? These injuries are preventable through proper safety training and precautions.
This means employees must also be vigilant about their safety and the safety of their coworkers. To prevent heat-related injuries:
- All employers and employees working in the heat must be trained to recognize heat-related illnesses and how to administer first aid.
- Drink lots of cool water.
- Take plenty of rest breaks in a cool or shady location.
- Dress for the heat with a hat and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
- Implement a buddy system where workers observe one another for signs of heat-related illnesses.
- Employers can utilize OSHA’s Heat Stress Calculator to determine whether a worker’s heat stress exceeds recommended limits.
Preventing Heat-Related Injuries and Death
There are practical steps employers and employees can take to stay safe, stay hydrated, and stay productive when the heat is on. This concise video provides a comprehensive overview of the essential heat safety basics you need to know while working.
If you or a loved one has suffered a heat-related injury on the job and you wish to discuss the specifics of your case, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bache Lynch Goldsmith & Mendoza.