San Antonio Under Construction: Safety Protocols for Workers amidst Rising Temperatures
San Antonio, one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, is currently undergoing massive construction. Amidst this growth and progress, a pressing issue has arisen with increasing urgency – how to keep construction workers safe in the area’s soaring heat, a problem further exacerbated by climate change.
Increased Risk of Heat-Related Deaths
Rising temperatures pose a significant threat to outdoor workers, such as those in construction. In fact, heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths. Recent data shows that there were a record 334 heat-related deaths in Texas in 2023, marking the third consecutive year for such records.
Hispanic workers, who make up approximately 60% of construction workers, are particularly at risk. With six out of ten construction workers being Hispanic, the issue especially affects this demographic which has represented a third of all heat fatalities nationwide since 2010, nearly twice their representation in the overall US workforce.
The Role of State and Federal Agencies
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), backed by U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, is working aggressively to develop and implement safety rules as extreme heat continues to pose a risk to outdoor workers. Even though it often takes years to finalize such rules, OSHA has recently proposed rules requiring employers to establish plans for hydration, rest breaks and providing protection for unseasoned workers.
San Antonio’s Approach to Heat Safety
Despite potential restrictions from a sweeping anti-regulatory law passed by the state’s Republican-led Legislature, San Antonio has endeavored to implement its own heat safety ordinance. The ordinance, however, is currently restricted to companies working on certain city-funded projects due to legal challenges.
Many local construction companies have already adopted some measures to protect their workforce, implementing initiatives such as providing electrolyte popsicles, banning sugary energy drinks, developing acclimation plans, and utilizing color-coded hats to identify new workers.
The Road Ahead
Amidst these developments, one question continues to loom large: Who bears the ultimate responsibility for keeping workers safe in the heat? The answer appears to be a collective one– federal and local governments, private industry, and the workers themselves all play an integral role in ensuring safety amidst fluctuating climate conditions.
As construction in San Antonio and across the nation surges ahead, the need for robust and enforceable heat safety measures becomes increasingly vital. Regardless of where the responsibility ultimately lies, it is clear that a holistic, collaborative, and aggressive approach is necessary to protect workers from the escalating dangers of extreme heat.
