Essential workers, often living paycheck to paycheck, are required to work outdoors in the extreme cold and extreme heat in ways that can jeopardize their health, well-being, and dignity. Between 1992 and 2017, heat stress injuries have killed 815 U.S. workers and seriously injured more than 70,000. Farm workers and construction workers suffer from the highest rates of heat illness, but workers in many other industries like warehouse workers, are at risk as well. Average temperatures are rising annually, and it is likely that more heat stress-related deaths and injuries will occur if we do not address this problem. 

Currently, there is no federal heat standard that ensures the safety and health of workers who are exposed to dangerous heat conditions in the workplace. 

As temperatures continue soaring, farm workers and all outdoor and indoor workers across this nation deserve to be protected from the dangers of heat. 

The Torah (Deuteronomy 24:14-15) teaches this principle of labor law: 

“Do not extort the wage of the poor and impoverished from among your people, or the strangers that reside in your land, and within your gates. Each day you shall pay them their wage—the sun shall not rise upon it—for they are poor, and they have staked their life for it…”

We must ensure that we do not impoverish workers by placing them in direct danger from the elements and ensure worker rights are met. 

Here is how we can help – 

1. After you sign this Google Form HERE take a stand, share it with others!

2. Report an extreme weather violation by calling OSHA at 1-800-321-6742

3. Contact your federal representatives and let them know you want federal protections for outdoor laborers and farm workers from the elements. (Find your Senator  HERE, Find your Congress Member  HERE)