Occupational heat stress poses significant challenges to workers across the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that environmental heat causes an average of 35 workplace fatalities per year and an average of 2,700 cases with days away from work.

Between 2011 and 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 344 worker deaths due to heat exposure, with 57 of them aged 55 to 64. Over 30,000 workers also suffered heat-related illnesses or injuries during that period. However, safety experts caution that these figures may not capture the full extent of the problem. Juley Fulcher, a worker health and safety advocate, notes that the data relies on self-reporting from employers, which can be unreliable, as less than half maintain the necessary records. Additionally, some workers may fear retaliation and choose not to report heat-related illnesses.

Heat stress occurs when the body's ability to regulate its internal temperature is overwhelmed by environmental conditions, which leads to elevated body temperatures and the potential for heat-related illnesses.

Here's an overview of how occupational heat stress affects workers in different industries:

As you might expect, outdoor workers, such as those in the construction, landscaping, and agricultural industries, are particularly vulnerable to heat stress. Prolonged exposure and heavy physical exertion increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related injuries. This is especially true during hot summer months. According to the NOAA National Climatic Data Center in the U.S., the average summer temperature was 71.9 degrees Fahrenheit in 2023. In that same year, we saw scorching temperatures across the U.S. with a record-high temperature of 127.7 degrees Fahrenheit being recorded in California. 

Delivery drivers, truckers, and transportation workers spend extended amounts of time exposed to the sun and heat inside vehicles or loading docks. Poor ventilation and insulation in vehicles, as well as some of these vehicles lacking air-conditioning altogether, can exacerbate heat buildup leading to discomfort and increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

In addition, the physical demands of the job, such as loading and unloading heavy materials in potentially high-temperature conditions, puts them at an even higher risk.

Heat stress is a hot topic in the transportation industry. In June of 2023, UPS announced that it had reached a new agreement with the Teamsters Union on heat safety measures for its employees. The Teamsters Union represents over 330,000 UPS drivers across the country.

Kitchen environments can expose workers to extremely high temperatures generated from cooking equipment, ovens, and stoves.

Heat stress is a common concern among chefs, cooks, and food service workers due to prolonged exposure to hot surfaces, intense heat sources, and many culinary uniforms are not built with comfort or airflow in mind.

In August of 2023, the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC) released a national “Beat the Heat" report, which details the harms of extreme indoor heat in the restaurant industry. According to the report, over 70% of all respondents who were surveyed indicated a desire for federal guidelines that mandate all restaurants implement a heat prevention plan.

Other indoor work environments that can expose workers to hazardous heat include places like steel mills, foundries, mining facilities, and other manufacturing environments.

Industrial settings often involve exposure to heat-generating machinery, furnaces, and manufacturing processes. Workers in these industries face elevated temperatures and humidity levels, increasing the risk of heat stress and dehydration.

In addition to safety, temperature-regulating uniforms can also help workers feel more comfortable throughout the day. This leads to improved morale, enhanced productivity, and overall job satisfaction.