Re: June 25 article, ‘Outdoor workers need increased protection’
It is sadly true that as Austin gets warmer with worsening climate, there are consequences for outdoor workers in construction, agriculture and postal work. As a project manager working on City of Austin building projects, I have experienced the hot conditions firsthand at job sites. We ensure that contractors working on city projects provide a 10-minute shade and water break once every four hours. Signs are posted in English and Spanish.
But Governor Abbott signed a law upending protections for workers directly impacted by summer heat. These workers construct infrastructure and buildings and grow food for Texans in the brutal heat. Is just 10 minutes of respite not acceptable to Abbott? Last year 279 people died because of heat in Texas.
Contractors and owners who care for workers are providing protections regardless. OSHA must act promptly to enact federal regulations to protect outdoor workers from heat exposure and illnesses.
Project Manager, City of Austin and Member, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Austin
Published in the Austin American-Statesman
July 2, 2023
Voices of Austin @CCLATX 