As temperatures soar across the U.S., a new study reveals how extreme heat is quietly endangering workers—especially those in jobs disproportionately held by Black and Brown Americans. From postal routes to construction sites, the heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s deadly.
The study, published in Environmental Health, analyzed over 845,000 workplace injuries reported to OSHA in 2023 and matched them with local weather data. Researchers found that “heat exposure increases the overall risk of work injury,” affecting nearly every major industry, indoors and out. David Michaels, a coauthor and former OSHA head, explained, “It’s very clear that heat causes more than simply heat illness and unfortunately heat fatalities. But it also causes thousands of injuries every year.”
Although the study didn’t include demographic data, it highlighted industries most vulnerable to heat-related injuries—waste management, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction—fields often staffed by Black and Brown workers. These injuries are rarely labeled as heat-related, despite the clear link between rising temperatures and declines in physical and cognitive performance.
States with no heat protections saw an 18% increase in injuries on 105-degree days, compared to just 8% in states with rules requiring water, shade, and breaks. OSHA is considering a federal heat-protection rule, but the current government shutdown threatens to delay the process.
As climate change intensifies, the risks for minority workers grow. Without swift action, the heat will continue to harm those already most vulnerable.
See: “Working While Black — and in the Heat” (October 17, 2025)
