Tampa Heat More Dangerous For Workers Than Anyone Realizes

A new report by the Tampa Bay Times suggests that extreme heat is far more deadly for Florida workers than anyone realizes. At least on a basic level, most people understand that working under the hot sun can be hazardous. Few, however, realize just how deadly this problem has become. The number of heat-related deaths among Florida workers is rising, and the Tampa Bay Times suggests that the real number is being intentionally understated. What can you do if you suffered heat exhaustion while working in Tampa?

Heat Exhaustion Can Easily Kill Workers 

The Tampa Bay Times highlighted the death of one Florida worker who was found near the end of his shift, convulsing and with vomit lodged in his throat. First responders quickly arrived, confirming his body heat had risen to over 110 degrees. He later died from heatstroke. A day earlier, he had complained to his wife about the extreme heat at his workplace while working as a temporary laborer.

This man’s story is becoming increasingly common in Florida, but The Tampa Bay Times says that the deaths are not being reported to state authorities. As a result, the report suggests that the number of heat-related worker deaths in Florida is probably much higher than the official statistics. During their research, they found evidence of almost 20 heat-related deaths that were concealed from state authorities. There could be many more.

These deaths often involved jobs with high sun exposure, like roofing or fruit harvesting. Many of the workers were young, and many were foreigners unaccustomed to Florida’s blazing summer months. Even those from hot countries like Guatemala seem to struggle to adapt, especially given the Sunshine State’s high humidity levels. Half of the heat-related deaths in Florida were immigrants.

Immigrants are often undocumented, which makes it even more challenging for supervisors and state authorities to record their deaths. Some supervisors didn’t even know the names of their immigrant workers, and they failed to report their heat-related deaths. The Tampa Bay Times suggests that employers may have failed to provide this information because they feared consequences for hiring illegal workers.

Despite being one of the hottest states in the nation, Florida lacks heat-related protections found in many other jurisdictions. Some lawmakers have tried to mandate breaks, or access to water and shade. However, the current Florida government has dismissed these requirements as “over-regulation,” stating that they hurt businesses.

Can a Tampa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me? 

If you suffered injuries due to extreme heat while working in Tampa, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation. If your loved one died while working under the hot sun, you may also pursue death benefits under the workers’ compensation programs. This process may be easier to navigate when you work with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Tampa. Choose The Franco Law Firm, and get started with an action plan today.

Sources: 

sun-sentinel.com/2024/12/16/florida-workers-died-in-the-heat-their-deaths-were-kept-from-authorities/

tampabay.com/opinion/2024/12/18/floridas-heat-shouldnt-be-workplace-killer-editorial/