Heat-Related Illness

Laborers have suffered in extreme heat triggered by climate change. Deaths aren’t inevitable, and employers can save lives by providing ample water and breaks, researchers say.

At least 58 players have died from exertional heat stroke since 1992. Five high school players have died since July of suspected heat-related illnesses.

Heatstroke can damage organs if not quickly treated. A lot of races aren't prepared to offer the right care, which includes emerging victims in ice baths at the venue to quickly cool body temperature.

Employers are exploring wearable technologies to keep workers safe. Devices collect biometric data to estimate signs of heat stress and prompt workers to take a break before their health deteriorates.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor is promoting a federal regulation after the Florida legislature signed a ban on local heat protections.

A state law passed in 2020 requires school districts to monitor outdoor school activities for students showing signs of heat stress.

When the so-called "feels-like" temperatures reach the triple digits, the heat can be deadly. "Heat stroke is most certainly life-threatening," says Dr. Hany Atallah, Chief Medical Officer for Jackson Memorial Hospital.

In April, OSHA officials drafted an initial framework that unanimously recommended moving forward with talks over federal rules to protect workers.

The federal government's new "HeatRisk" tool can help people assess when heat goes from uncomfortable to dangerous.

The latest in a string of preemption edicts from the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature would block local governments from setting heat protections for workers.

Advocates are looking to lawmakers to increase protections for outdoor workers after Florida saw a rising number of excessive heat warnings this summer.

Death certificates don’t always reflect the role that extreme heat played in ending a life, even when it seems obvious it was a factor. That imprecision harms efforts to better protect people from extreme heat.