Many outdoor workers face a common problem every year: managing summer heat and health complications while on the job. Summer temperatures in southern regions of the United States and other parts of the world are increasing yearly, posing additional risks to these types of employees. However, the risks and complications are not equally imposed, and different types of workers may be at even higher risk, according to experts. 

Three of the hottest cities in the United States where workers are at increased risk include Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Certain studies have explored the relationship between heat indexes in these southwestern states and work-related injuries, revealing expected trends toward higher temperatures and people getting sick. 

These higher-than-average temperatures often reach more than 88°F during the summer and can cause many health complications. Extended exposure to exorbitant heat can result in dehydration, unconsciousness, heat stroke, and lack of perspiration. Severe heat exposure cases can damage internal organs, disrupting the central nervous system, blood clotting, liver functions, and kidneys.

Due to complications imposed by global warming, summer temperatures continue to increase and expose workers to heat waves, droughts, and higher temperatures. Outdoor workers that face these temperature challenges include industries such as agriculture, construction, maintenance, recreation, and more. Heat-related injuries can keep workers out of a job, sometimes up to 30 days, while healing. The extended recovery times for workers who have experienced heat-related injuries can significantly impact employees and their families. The risks of these work-related injuries impact the lower-class workers at an even higher rate. Researchers also discovered a higher percentage of female workers reported heat-related injuries.

Studies between 2011 and 2018 suggested an increase from 50 to 86 percent of people affected by work-related heat injuries identified as female. The increase in the disproportionate cases of affected female workers may result in more women entering the workforce, specifically into roles within outdoor industries. These results have inspired further research into the hormonal risk component associated with the different heat risks between sexes. Specific biological cycles may place women at higher risks than their male counterparts. 

Another demographic at greater risk of heat-related injuries includes long-standing employees. The same study found that increased work heat complications correlated with increased length of stay at the worker’s company. Employees with five or more years of experience were at a greater risk of work-related heat injuries than employees with less than one year. Experts suggested the increased risk of these long-standing employees may be due to the lack of risk perception or the cumulative tolerance built from chronic heat exposure during their years of service. 

More research is being conducted on the types of employees at the most significant risk and different safety methods these vital outdoor industries can implement to decrease heat-related health implications.