As extreme heat becomes more prevalent, workers in agriculture and other sectors are advocating for stronger protections against heat-related illnesses. The Coalition of Immokalee Workers has successfully implemented a fair food program that enforces heat protections through brand accountability, a model now being adopted by other labor groups across various industries.
Despite these efforts, legislative attempts to secure heat protections at both state and federal levels have stalled, leaving many workers vulnerable to dangerous conditions. Recent incidents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures as climate change intensifies heat exposure risks.