Karta pokazuje raznolikost zaštite radnika od vrućine u SAD-u

The United States is facing a growing crisis as record-breaking heatwaves increasingly threaten the health and lives of outdoor workers. With temperatures soaring across the Northeast and other regions, the number of heat-related fatalities among workers has risen sharply in recent years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, exposure to environmental heat has led to the deaths of 36 workers in 2021, 43 in 2022, 55 in 2023, and 48 in 2024. Despite this alarming trend, the federal government has yet to establish a comprehensive legal framework to protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat. Currently, there is no federally mandated heat safety standard in the United States. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has attempted to address the issue, but its efforts remain limited. Similarly, the European Union has not implemented uniform heat protection regulations, relying instead on individual member states to set their own guidelines. As a result, the level of protection available to workers varies significantly depending on their location within the country. Seven U.S. states have taken proactive steps to create enforceable heat safety standards. These include California, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Each state has tailored its approach to suit local conditions and industry needs. California, for instance, has the strictest heat standard in the nation, which became effective in July 2024. Under this regulation, employers must provide shade, access to fresh drinking water, recovery periods, and training to workers when outdoor temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Similar requirements apply in indoor workplaces where the temperature reaches 82 degrees. Colorado has long had heat protection rules in place, specifically targeting agricultural workers when temperatures hit 80 degrees. Employers are required to supply drinking water, shade, rest breaks, acclimatization procedures, and training under these rules. Last month, the state expanded its protections with the enactment of HB 26-1272, known as the Extreme Temperatures Workers Protection Act. This law mandates the development of a broader framework for heat and cold safety, encompassing temperature mitigation strategies, rest breaks, injury prevention plans, training, and access to water. Maryland's Heat Stress Standard, which went into effect on September 30, 2024, applies to both indoor and outdoor workplaces when temperatures reach and exceed 80 degrees. At this point, employers must implement their heat-related illness prevention and management plans. When temperatures climb above 90 degrees, additional measures come into play, such as providing breaks, water, and shade, along with monitoring workers' health. For temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees, workers must receive a minimum 10-minute break every two hours. Above 100 degrees, they are entitled to at least 15 minutes of rest per hour. Nevada introduced a similar heat standard in November 2024, though enforcement began earlier. Unlike some other states, Nevada does not specify a particular temperature threshold for most requirements. Instead, the state uses a job hazard analysis and risk assessment approach to determine appropriate protective measures. Meanwhile, Oregon and Washington have established heat standards that require cool-down rest periods and access to shade when temperatures reach 80 degrees. Over 90 degrees, these states impose stricter conditions, particularly in Oregon, where the requirements become even more stringent. As the threat of extreme heat continues to grow, several other states are considering similar legislation. During the 2025 legislative session, at least 17 states, including Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, and Georgia, are proposing laws aimed at improving heat safety for workers. These developments suggest a potential shift toward greater federal oversight and standardized protections for workers across the country.