About half a dozen states explicitly protect workers from excessive heat. These laws aim to prevent the hundreds of heat-related worker deaths that occur each year in the United States. A recent case highlighted the danger: a postal carrier died from heat exposure on the job, underscoring the need for stronger protections.\n\nWhile some states have enacted safety standards, others have moved in the opposite direction. Texas, for example, prevents local governments from passing their own heat protection ordinances.

This creates gaps in coverage, especially in regions with extreme temperatures.\n\nThe lack of uniform federal heat safety rules leaves many workers vulnerable. Half a dozen states have explicit protections, but the majority do not. The death of the postal carrier illustrates the real-world consequences of inadequate safeguards. Advocates call for national standards to prevent further tragedies.