As a brutal heat wave covers much of the U.S. in record temperatures, labor groups are pushing for measures to protect outdoor workers by mandating water breaks and periods out of the blazing sun.
The latest effort is in Florida’s Miami-Dade County, home to more than 300,000 workers whose jobs require them to be outside. Commissioners gave preliminary approval this week to requiring a 10-minute rest in the shade every two hours to people working in agriculture and construction. The measure also mandates employers to provide drinking water and training on how to spot and treat heat-related illness.
“This campaign is a matter of life and death,” Oscar Londoño, co-director of workers’ lobby WeCount. “They don’t want to have to sacrifice their lives just to be able to provide for their families.”
