As summer temperatures soar, so does the risk to America’s workforce. New research from Bader Law reveals that the odds of workplace injuries rise between 6–9% on days when temperatures exceed 90°F, leaving a trail of medical bills, lost wages, and in too many cases, lives lost.
The 2024 data also recorded 307 electric-burn injuries and 43 worker fatalities linked to extreme heat and related hazards, underscoring the urgency of treating high temperatures as a direct occupational safety threat.
Extreme heat impacts workers in multiple ways — and not all are immediately visible. Higher temperatures impair concentration, slow reaction times, and accelerate fatigue, raising the risk of falls or equipment mishandling. Machinery itself is more likely to overheat, creating a heightened risk of malfunction or electrical fires. Meanwhile, dehydration affects balance, judgment, and stamina, compounding the likelihood of accidents.
Certain industries are hit harder than others. Construction workers face constant sun exposure and hot surfaces, while agriculture combines long hours with high humidity and limited shade. Utility workers deal with increased electric-burn hazards as equipment strains under summer demand, and even food service employees see greater risks as kitchens and outdoor service spaces become increasingly difficult to work in safely.
The study highlights that many of these accidents are preventable. Measures such as mandatory cooling breaks, access to free drinking water, lightweight protective gear, and structured acclimatization programs for new workers can make a significant difference. More frequent inspections of electrical equipment during hot weather can also help reduce risk.
“Heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a measurable occupational hazard,” said a Bader Law spokesperson. “When we see a 9% spike in injuries and dozens of fatalities tied to temperature alone, it’s clear that safety policies must evolve to match the climate realities we’re facing. These deaths and injuries are preventable with proactive planning.”
The findings arrive at a time when climate change is driving more frequent and intense heatwaves. While some states have enacted worker heat safety standards, most rely on general duty clauses that leave enforcement inconsistent. Employers who fail to act may not only endanger their workforce but also expose themselves to growing legal liability, as heat-related injury and wrongful death claims increase across the country.
Bader Law’s report reinforces calls for OSHA to adopt national heat exposure standards, standardizing protections such as shift limits during extreme heat, minimum cooling break requirements, and mandatory reporting of heat-related incidents. Without systemic changes, workers across industries will continue to face unnecessary — and avoidable — risks every summer.
See the full research, industry breakdowns, and methodology here: Click here for further information