Climate change is causing changes in heat around the country. The rising temperatures leave Black workers more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and even death. If that weren’t enough, the cost of these heat waves is affecting the economy, too.
It’s been estimated that over 700 Black employees have lost their lives due to heat-related illness from 2018 to 2021, which is likely under-counted. Some deaths, however, are due to policy changes like Texas’s move to limit or remove water breaks from outdoor workers.
Heat-related illnesses and injuries are estimated to cost the U.S. economy nearly $100 billion annually. While employers wind up paying most of this heavy toll, Black employees also feel this financial hit.
Black employees are typically some of the lowest-paid employees and are most affected by workplace heat conditions. Missing work due to heat-related illness costs Black employees regular work hours, overtime, and health insurance costs when seeking treatment.
Climate change has become an undeniable reality that has far-reaching implications. One concerning consequence of this global phenomenon is the significant increase in heat-related deaths in the workplace. As temperatures rise to unprecedented levels, the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities continues to escalate for Black workers.