NAPLES, Fla. – María González, who cleans airplanes at a South Florida airport, finds her work increasingly perilous due to soaring temperatures. González, employed by HHS Aviation, details nights spent on tarmacs deep-cleaning aircraft interiors—tasks made harder as ground crews often turn off the air conditioning to save fuel, leaving the cabin unbearably hot.

"El calor se duplica ahora porque empiece el verano," González explained, indicating the heat doubles in summer, making her job not just uncomfortable but dangerous.

Recently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that prevents local governments from mandating heat breaks for outdoor workers like González. This law, which targets protective measures previously in place in Miami-Dade County, has been criticized for endangering workers in one of the hottest states in the U.S.

Helene O’Brien, Florida District Director for SEIU 32BJ, argued that such legislation risks workers' lives by removing accountability for their wellbeing in extreme temperatures. "These pro-heat stress bills are about ensuring that no one is held accountable if workers fall ill or die from the heat," she said.

Florida's approach contrasts sharply with federal standards. The state lacks its own department of worker safety, thus falling under federal OSHA regulations that mandate employer-provided water but are vague about break times and conditions for drinking the water.

The urgency of these protections was highlighted by the tragic death of Efraín López García, a farmworker who succumbed to heat exposure on his first day at a Homestead fruit farm, where temperatures soared to a heat index of 105 degrees.

Despite federal regulations, González reports ongoing issues with her employer. She claimed that although her company theoretically provides water, practical access is severely limited. This neglect prompted multiple complaints from employees, leading to minimal action—a water cooler recently installed but left unfilled.

In response to inquiries, HHS Aviation insisted on compliance with safety regulations, stating they provide accessible water and training to manage unsafe conditions. However, the disparities between company statements and worker experiences suggest significant gaps in enforcement and accountability.

This situation is exacerbated by the new state law, which, according to worker advocates and experts, significantly undermines the safety of outdoor workers amid rising temperatures due to climate change. The law's implications extend beyond immediate health risks, potentially influencing long-term outcomes like increased emergency room visits and heat-related mortality, which have surged in recent years.

Critics argue that the law reflects a broader disregard for the well-being of laborers, particularly those in physically demanding roles who are most vulnerable to heat-related ailments. The lack of mandatory heat safety measures not only jeopardizes worker health but also challenges the effectiveness of local efforts to mitigate these risks.

As debates over this legislation continue, the conversation highlights a critical intersection of worker rights, climate resilience, and public health, underscoring the need for comprehensive policies that protect those most at risk from the escalating impacts of climate change.